Samba-Tuning

Support knowledgebase (samba_tuning)

Symptom:

• Samba is installed and you'd like to access your server via TCP. Unfortunately this is far to slow :-(
• You'd like to start programs as Microsoft Access via Samba but you'll see the MS hourglass all the time.

Cause:

Solution:

1. Socket Options
   These are either passed to the smbd using the option -O or are set in /etc/smb.conf. Which options may be set or combined differs and has to be figured out by experimenting (it strongly depends on your network). There are hints in man smb.conf and /usr/doc/packages/samba/Speed.txt.
   Be aware that your changes might have an opposite effect!
   One option that enhances performance is TCP_NODELAY.

   $ vi /etc/smb.conf
   
   [Global]
   
   ; workgroup = NT-Domain-Name or Workgroup-Name, eg: REDHAT4
   workgroup = SUSE
   ...
   
   socket options = TCP_NODELAY
   

2. Share Mode Handling
   From version 1.9.17 onwards Samba may be compiled using the FAST_SHARE_MODES option. This enhances database access (e.g. Microsoft Access). The samba package that comes with your S.u.S.E. 5.1 has been compiled using this option. Feedback welcome!