RFS Storage of OHBA Imaging Data
Purpose
This document provides guidance for storing OHBA imaging data (MEG, OPM, and MRI). Choose your storage based on data sensitivity:
- RFS (Research File Service): Use for large, non-confidential datasets with no personal identifiers (raw scan data, processed results, etc.)
- OneDrive: Use for confidential data containing personal identifiers, participant information, or sensitive metadata
Prerequisites
- A SSO (Single Sign-On) account at the University of Oxford
- VPN access to the University of Oxford network (required for off-site access)
Requesting RFS Storage
To request an RFS project for your research:
- Visit the Oxford Service Catalogue
- Search for "Oxford Research File Service (RFS)"
- Complete the request form with your project details
- You will receive credentials and project access once approved
RFS provides backed-up long-term storage suitable for research data archives.
The RFS web-interface:
The RFS files can be inspected via a web-browswer: RFS file browser
Mounting RFS Storage on Windows or MacOS
Once you have been granted RFS access, mount the storage on your local machine using the appropriate instructions for your operating system.
Windows
- Ensure you are connected to the Oxford VPN (e.g., Cisco Secure Client)
- Open File Explorer and click This PC in the left sidebar
- Select Map network drive from the ribbon menu
- In the Folder text box, enter:
\\connect.ox.ac.uk\RFS - Assign the mapped drive to R: (if available)
- Click Finish
Your RFS project(s) will appear as folders under the mapped R: drive.
macOS
- Ensure you are connected to the Oxford VPN
- Open Finder and select Go from the menu bar
- Click Connect to Server
- Enter the server address:
smb://connect.ox.ac.uk/RFS - Click Connect
- Enter your Oxford credentials when prompted
Your RFS project(s) will appear in the mounted SMB share.
Enter the server address: smb://connect.ox.ac.uk/RFS