File Share Dependencies A file share dependency should have a network name and a disk dependency.

When you set up a file share resource in Cluster Administrator, you are not required to enter any dependencies for the file share. However, it is recommended that a file share resource depend on at least a network name resource and a physical disk resource. The network name dependency enables the client to access the file share over the network by using the virtual server name instead of the node name. Using the virtual server name ensures that the client opens the connection to whichever node is the current owner of the file share resource. The physical disk resource dependency ensures that clients have access to the files on the disk through the share.

It is recommended that the share name be dependent on the virtual server name, the server name be dependent on the Internet Protocol (IP) address, and the IP address dependent on the disk. These dependencies create a vertical dependency tree, which is useful for troubleshooting, and also provide consistency for the resources in the cluster. Note: The file share resource does not place a mandatory requirement on a physical disk resource that corresponds to a device on the shared bus. Not requiring a mandatory dependency allows you to use other forms of storage for your file share resource under special circumstances. These alternative forms of storage may include local storage for nonvolatile data in which the same data exists on both nodes.