Network storage at the University of Denver
In addition to cloud storage (OneDrive), the University of Denver uses its own on-premises infrastructure to manage file storage over the internet.
Like OneDrive, DU’s networked file system enables users to access specific files and folders without having to download them to their local machine.
Unlike OneDrive, this system is entirely internal to the university, ensuring privacy and security not afforded by other cloud storage providers.
To gain access to this system, individuals will be granted access to a certain “network drive”, or a folder within the DU file system from which they will be able to access their files.
Shared drives v. Zephyr drives
DU offers two types of network storage, which are distinguished by the scope of users they effect:
- Shared drives pertain to departments, groups, and other assortments of individuals and are accessible to members of those groups who are formally granted access.
- Zephyr drives pertain to individuals, and are private to the individual to whom they are assigned.
NOTE: You may also hear references to an ‘R’ drive or a ‘Z’ drive due to general naming conventions at the university. These are just alternative aliases for the above: the former usually refers to shared drives, and the latter to zephyr drives.
The letter path – e.g. ‘R’ or ‘Z’ – is, generally speaking, inconsequential, however only one drive can be assigned to a certain letter path. If you have multiple shared drives which you need to access, you will need to map them each in a different letter path. For example, if ‘R’ is taken, you will have to map the drive to ‘S’ or some other letter.
For the sake of consistency, we generally recommend using the standard letter path convention when you can.
Step-by-step guide
Prerequisites
If you are having any issues while attempting to set up your network drive, make sure to review the following to ensure you meet all the requirements for network access.
Drive Access
Shared drives: Access to shared folders needs to be explicitly requested by your immediate supervisor on your behalf. They can submit a request by filling out the form located here.
- In this form, your supervisor will need to request the complete and exact path to the drive in question, as well as any and all sub-folders that you might need access to.
Zephyr drives: DU employees are automatically granted access to zephyr drives.
Network
To connect to or access DU’s network file storage service, you will need to be connected securely to the DU network. If you are on campus, this means that you will need to be connected to eduroam (wireless) or ethernet (wired).
If you are off campus, you will need to be connected to the DU VPN (GlobalProtect).
We have included some articles pertaining to those below:
Connecting to (mapping) the drive
MacOS
Open Finder.
Navigate to your menu bar and click Go > Connect to Server.
- Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Command + K
This will prompt a popup window titled "Connect to Server" to pop up on your screen, which will have a field titled "Server Address". In that field, type in the following depending on what kind of drive you are trying to access.
Shared drive: smb://shares.du.edu/[path-to-drive]
Zephyr drive: smb://zephyr.du.edu/home/87X_/[firstname.lastname]
- Replace the ‘X’ with the third digit of your DU ID
Once you have entered the proper drive path, you can click "Connect". If you want to save the connection for later click on the plus + icon.
Windows
Open File Explorer
In File Explorer, find "This PC" and right click on it, then click on the option "Map Network Drive".
This will prompt a popup window titled "Map Network Drive" to pop up on your screen, which will have a field titled "Server Address". In that field, type in the following depending on what kind of drive you are trying to access:
Shared Drive: \\shares.du.edu\[path-to-drive]
Zephyr Drive: \\zephyr.du.edu\home\87X_\[firstname.lastname]
- Replace the ‘X’ with the third digit of your DU ID
Check the box “Reconnect at sign-in” if you want the shared drive to stay on your computer permanently.
If you are logged into your DU account on a DU owned computer uncheck the box “Connect using different credentials.” Otherwise, check the box.
Click “Finish” and your shared drive should now be shown under “This PC”
Contact
If you encounter a screen or error message not covered by this article, or if you have any questions, please contact the IT Help Center by phone at 303.871.4700 or online at https://support.du.edu.