Smart Cache Installation, Configuration and Operation FAQs – Egnyte

By default, all domain users will be able to discover the Smart Cache Device. It is possible to limit the discoverability by adding IP range rules. Once a rule is set, only Desktop App users whose device's internal IP(s) match (one or more of) the rules will be able to access the Smart Cache Device.

How Can Admins Increase the Size of Storage on Smart Cache?

The following instructions explain how to add additional disk space to a Smart Cache device using VMware ESX or Hyper-V.

Do not attempt to expand the existing data storage, as this may lead to data loss or device malfunction.

At this time, adding disks of up to 16TB of size is allowed and max disk size cumulative limit is 16TB (For example, if there is a need to add 16TB storage then either add 4 disks of 4TB each or a single disk of size 16TB).

Increasing Storage on Smart Cache (VMWare ESXi)
Increasing Storage on Smart Cache (Hyper-V)

Increasing Storage on Smart Cache (VMware ESXi)

Connect to the ESXi host via VMware vSphere client or vCenter and click the Console tab.
Log in to the console with the credentials presented (admin/turbocharged).
Select Option 11 from the menu and confirm by typing yes to shut down the virtual machine.
Navigate to the Summary tab of the Smart Cache virtual machine and click Edit Settings.
Select the Add option from the Hardware tab and click Ok.
Select the option to add Hard Disk and click Next.
Select the option to Create a new virtual disk and click Next.
Provide the size requirements and datastore location and click Next.
Verify the options selected are correct and click Finish.
Verify the New Hard Disk has been added or is being added and click OK.
Boot up the Smart Cache device by right-clicking on the Smart Cache device name, hovering over Power, and clicking Power On.
Once the virtual machine has completed the boot up, navigate to the Smart Cache device page and confirm that the disk usage indicator provides the size of disk available.

Increasing Storage on Smart Cache (Hyper-V)

Open Hyper-V Manager, right-click on the Virtual Machine, and click Connect.
Log in to the console with the credentials presented (admin/turbocharged).
Select Option 11 from the menu and confirm by typing yes to shut down the virtual machine.
Click the Settings link of the Smart Cache VM.
To attach a new virtual disk to the VM, select SCSI Controller and click Add.

The virtual disk type must be SCSI and will determine how much space is allocated to Smart Cache.
Select New and click Next.

This option may not appear as a selection on some Windows Server versions.
Select VHD for the format and click Next.
Choose a Disk Type and click Next.

Fixed-size is recommended.
Type a name for the disk and select the location to put the VHD and click Next.
Select the size of the virtual hard disk and click Next.
Verify the information is correct and click Finish to create the VHD.
Once the VM has completed boot up, navigate to the Smart Cache device page and confirm that the disk usage indicator provides the size of the disk available.

Is Individual User Creation Required in Smart Cache?

Unlike Storage Sync, Smart Cache acts as a proxy for authentication requests and redirects them to the cloud for authentication, therefore does NOT require administrators to create users on the Smart Cache device.

Can the Smart Cache Device Be Renamed After Initial Installation?

The Smart Cache UI allows administrators to create a device name during the first-time installation. The Smart Cache device can be renamed via an option in the admin console (maintenance menu) of the device.

What is the Maximum Size of Storage Disks that are Supported on Smart Cache?

Smart Cache supports up to 16 TB of storage, with capacity increases in increments of up to 4 TB.

For instructions on system specifications and how to add new disks, refer to the instructions in the Product Guide.

Can Multiple Smart Cache Devices be installed in the Same Location?

No, we recommend only one Smart Cache device be installed at a given location.

Does Smart Cache needs to be enabled on the Cloud or WebUI?

Yes! Smart Cache access must be enabled from the WebUI by navigating to the Configuration tab under Settings, selecting the Applications page, and enabling the Allow users to access folders stored on Smart Cache devices.

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Can SSO Authentication or Active Directory Be Used with Smart Cache?

Yes. Smart Cache acts as a proxy for authentication requests from Desktop Apps and redirects them to the cloud for authentication. Smart Cache supports all Single Sign-on authentication mechanisms that work on the web interface.

If Active Directory Authentication is enabled in the cloud, users can be authenticated against AD.

What Types of Files are Supported on Smart Cache?

File Types

Supported

Microsoft Office Formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)

Adobe File Formats (.pdf, .ai, .psd, .indd)

AutoCAD(.dwg,.dxf)

Others (.rtf, .jpg, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .txt, .avi, .wmv, .mov, .mp4)

Unsupported

Database applications like GIS (ArcGIS)

Other applications like SolidWorks and Unreal Engine

What Happens When a User Travels from One Location to Another? Will they Still Be Connected to the Smart Cache Device in their Initial Location?

If the user moves one office location A to office location B and if Smart Cache is installed in both locations then Desktop App will automatically switch to the Smart Cache to location B. If location B does not have a Smart Cache then Desktop app will connect directly to the cloud.

Here are more details regarding how the discovery process works:

Get a list of all Smart Cache devices in the domain.
What Smart Cache devices is the user authorized to connect to?
Which of those Smart Cache devices is healthy?
Between the cloud and healthy Smart Cache devices, which device has the least latency?
Connect to the best device (or fall back to the cloud if it can’t connect).

How to Make Changes to the Folder Selection After the Initial Installation?

Changes to the folder selection can be done through the Smart Cache UI. Instructions can be found in the Modify Folders and Sub-Folders to be the Synchronized section of the Product Guide.

How Can Users Access Folders and Files from the Smart Cache Device on their Desktop?

Users need to install the Egnyte Desktop App on their machines to access the data through Smart Cache. Egnyte Desktop app seamlessly provides a unified view of all content that is shared with the user irrespective of if the content is synced to the device or rendered from the cloud.

How to Configure a Static IP Address for Smart Cache?

Smart Cache supports the use of DHCP as well as static IP addressing for network connectivity. For instructions on how to configure Static IP, refer to the “Set up a Static IP Address for Smart Cache” section in the Product Guide.

Which Hypervisors Can Smart Cache be Deployed on?

Smart Cache installers are only available for VMware ESXi, Nutanix, and Windows Hyper-V. Review the helpdesk article for further guidance on choosing the right Small Form Factor device for the remote job site.

Can a User be Smart Cache Connected when Working from Home?

Yes, this is possible in a few rare scenarios where the user has better latency through VPN access to the Smart Cache device from home than to the cloud directly.

Can Automatic Software Upgrades be Disabled On The Smart Cache Device?

Smart Cache does not support disabling automatic software upgrades.

Can The Software Upgrade Window be Changed On The Smart Cache Device?

Yes, admins can change the upgrade window from the devices page. The change can be made by going to the following page:

Settings -> Devices -> Smart Cache Devices -> <Device Name> -> Settings -> Upgrades

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How to Manage Smart Cache Device Access Using IP Ranges?