SMB Direct is an SMB extension that uses RDMA for low-latency, high-throughput transfers with low CPU usage.
Simple definition
SMB Direct is an SMB extension that uses RDMA for low-latency, high-throughput transfers with low CPU usage. It belongs to the Windows / Windows Server vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to accelerate demanding SMB traffic such as Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, or high-performance file access. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
When network adapters and the RDMA stack are compatible, SMB can move data directly between memory buffers with less CPU involvement.
Key points
- Scope: An SMB extension that uses RDMA for low-latency, high-throughput transfers with low CPU usage.
- Operational goal: Accelerate demanding SMB traffic such as Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, or high-performance file access.
- Implementation: When network adapters and the RDMA stack are compatible, SMB can move data directly between memory buffers with less CPU involvement.
Points to watch
RDMA requires consistent network configuration for the chosen technology; validate firmware, DCB where required, MTU, and redundancy.
In short
SMB Direct = an SMB extension that uses RDMA for low-latency, high-throughput transfers with low CPU usage. Use it when you need to accelerate demanding SMB traffic such as Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, or high-performance file access.