When a file source is enabled and a machine on the same LAN requests a download from the internet for the first time, files are downloaded to the file source machine, then copied to the requesting machine. From then on the file does not need to be downloaded from the internet. Other machines—on the same LAN and using the same file source—copy the file from the file source machine. Doing so speeds delivery to multiple machines throughout the same LAN and reduces network bandwidth issues.
File source shares apply to Software Deployment and Update software title downloads only.
Machines can only be assigned to a file source machine if they are Windows-based and are members of the same organization and partition ID as the file source machine.
Ensure machines have LAN access to the file source machine.
The share on the file source machine is created automatically and assigned the machine's default access rights, which is typically read access for all users.
The file source machine must have a credential set in the VSA for assigned machines to access the file share. Assigned machines also require a credential set in the VSA to install software titles.
If the credential set for a file source machine or an assigned machine is a local credential, then both the file source machine and all assigned machines must use a local credential with the same username and password.
Domain machines can use their unique domain credentials.
Confirming File Source Sharing
You can confirm an assigned machine copied a downloaded file from the file source share if a Download Method: XCOPY log entry displays in the Agent > Agent Logs > Agent Procedure Log.
Otherwise:
In a SaaS VSA, a Download method: CLOUD GET_URL log entry displays.
In an on premises VSA, a Download method: VSA WRITE_FILE or Download Method: VSA GET_URL displays, depending on which download method is selected in Application Settings.
