Volume Formats and Network Shares

Lyve Mobile Array volumes can be shared on the network using the Server Message Block (SMB) or Network File System (NFS) protocol. Volumes formatted as NTFS, HFS+, or exFAT can only use the SMB network service, while volumes formatted as ext4 and XFS can use both SMB and NFS.

ext4 and XFS provide optimal performance for Lyve Mobile Arrays when connected to Lyve Mobile Link for sharing on the local network. Use either format if you intend to only share Lyve Mobile Arrays on a network.

However, before formatting Lyve Mobile Array volumes using the Link web app, consider which file system formats are best for your data workflow. If your data workflow requires connecting Lyve Mobile Arrays directly to Windows and/or macOS computers as well as to Link, then NTFS, HFS+, or exFAT are more appropriate volume formats. ext4 and XFS are not native formats for Windows and macOS operating systems, making it difficult to move Lyve Mobile Arrays between network sharing via Link and direct connections to other hosts.

The Link web app allows you to format Lyve Mobile Arrays as ext4, XFS, or exFAT:

1. Open the Link web app.
2. Click Devices at the top of the page.
3. Make certain that the Lyve Mobile Array you want to format is unlocked. Click INSPECT on a Lyve Mobile Array card.
4. Click FORMAT on the Volume card.
5. Acknowledge that formatting the drive will delete all data on the volume.
6. Select the format best suited to your network environment and device usage.
7. Click START.

To format as Windows NTFS or macOS HFS+, connect your Lyve Mobile Arrays to the applicable host.