2008

Setting Up Directories
During network rendering, common directories (directories that are shared
across the network) allow access to files needed by all the rendering servers.
You can organize, share, and (if necessary) mount these directories.
There are two types of common directories:
■ Map directories One or more directories where maps and images are
stored. These can be both project-specific and general locations.
■ Output directory A single directory where completed frames are sent
from each rendering server, also called the target directory. You specify
this directory for each job. This can also be a local directory on each
machine.
The network rendering system uses the Universal Naming Convention (UNC)
to identify directories and files. UNC names begin with a double backslash
and do not include a drive letter. This is the convention:
\\machine_name\directory\subdirectory\filename
IMPORTANT To simplify network rendering, use UNC names whenever possible
within a 3ds Max scene, even if the directory is on the local machine.
TIP When entering UNC names, omit the \\ before the computer name until
you've entered the entire path and file name. This eliminates search delays when
entering UNC path names into file selection dialogs.
Some networks require drive letters instead of UNC names. Directories on
such networks can be mounted as drive letters and shared over the network.
See
Mounting a Directory on page 6276 .
Organizing Directories
Correctly organizing directories is critical to the success of your rendering
farm. Every element in a scene needs to be available to each server for a
complete rendering. The goal is to give every machine in your network the
same "picture" of where files are located. Follow these rules when organizing
your directories:
■
Share directories on page 6275 to make them available to the network.
■ Use UNC file specification when assigning maps files and output directories,
even when the directory is on a local machine.
Setting Up Rendering Software | 6273