Time Machine via SMB vs AFP on Synology DSM 7.1.1

Question

Level 1

37 points

Time Machine via SMB vs AFP on Synology DSM 7.1.1

I have Macbook Silicon (2023), and Synology NAS (DS216j) and I use my NAS to store movie files but most importantly my Macbook Time Machine backup, which also gets backup through Synology's C3 cloud backup.

My question, which protocol shall I use for accessing the Synology NAS, AFP or SMB? And shall I use one for accessing files via Finder and another one for the Time Machine settings?

My networking skills are very limited so I want a smooth easy setup. Have tried getting answers from ChatGPT, but it seems the answer can vary which setup is correct. Very grateful for your help!

Posted on Nov 18, 2023 3:55 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,126 points

Nov 19, 2023 4:51 AM in response to pinboll

What version of Samba is installed on the NAS? If after 4.8, it should support the Time Machine over SMB specification. In that case, SMB should be used.

AFP on a NAS isn’t really AFP since Apple never licensed it. Many people reported the backups get corrupted and have to start over. Some reported no problems with the backups, but couldn’t restore from them.

Reply