NFS vs iSCSI Which One Should You Use?

When configuring networked storage, two popular choices are NFS (Network File System) and iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface). Both are extensively used in enterprise and data center settings, yet they fulfill different roles and offer unique benefits. Selecting between NFS and iSCSI depends on your particular requirements, performance demands, and infrastructure.

NFS Vs. iScsi

This article will outline the main differences between NFS and iSCSI to assist you in determining which option best suits your setup.

What is NFS?

NFS (Network File System) is a protocol for file-level storage that enables multiple clients to access files over a network as though they were on a local filesystem. It is widely used in Linux and Unix systems but is also compatible with Windows.

Advantages of NFS:

✔ Simple to configure and administer – Perfect for file sharing among several clients.

✔ Access at the file level – Allows multiple users to simultaneously read and write files.

✔ Suitable for virtualisation – Integrates effectively with VMware for shared datastores.

✔ Reduced resource demands – Demands less processing power compared to block storage solutions.

Cons of NFS:

✖ Performance limitations – May be slower compared to block storage because of network and protocol overhead.

✖ Not ideal for databases – File-level access might cause contention problems with high IOPS workloads.

✖ Security concerns – NFS permissions can be complicated, necessitating proper configuration to avoid unauthorised access.

Best Use Cases for NFS:

• File servers

• Shared home directories

• VMware shared storage (NFS datastore)

• General-purpose network storage

What is iSCSI?

iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) is a block-level storage protocol enabling servers to access remote storage as though it were a local disk. Unlike NFS, which shares files, iSCSI functions at a lower level, making it suitable for applications needing direct disk access.

Pros of iSCSI:

✔ High performance – Ideal for databases and tasks requiring high input/output operations per second (IOPS).

✔ Block-level access – Functions like a local disk, providing greater control over the filesystem.

✔ Supports multipathing – Can be configured for redundancy and failover optimisation.

✔ Compatible with various operating systems – Supported by Windows, Linux, and VMware.

Drawbacks of iSCSI:

✖ Setup is more complicated – Necessitates correct configuration of targets, initiators, and networking.

✖ Needs dedicated network resources – Optimal performance is achieved through a dedicated storage network.

✖ May consume more resources – Utilizes more CPU and memory than NFS.

Best Use Cases for iSCSI:

• Database servers (SQL, Oracle, etc.)

• High-performance applications

• Virtual machine storage (especially in Hyper-V)

• Environments requiring direct disk control

NFS vs. iSCSI: Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	NFS	iSCSI
Storage Type	File-level	Block-level
Performance	Moderate	High
Ease of Setup	Easy	Moderate to complex
Best for	File sharing, VMware	Databases, Hyper-V, High IOPS workloads
Security	Requires careful permission setup	Supports CHAP authentication
Multipathing Support	Limited	Yes
OS Compatibility	Mostly Linux/Unix (Windows supported)	Works well on Linux, Windows, VMware

Which Option is Right for You?

• Select NFS if you require straightforward file sharing, minimal storage, or a common datastore for VMware.

• Select iSCSI if you require superior performance, block-level storage, or are operating databases and high-transaction tasks.

Hybrid Approach

In numerous enterprise settings, both NFS and iSCSI are employed together. NFS may be utilised for shared file storage, while iSCSI is used for high-performance tasks such as databases.

NFS and iSCSI each have a role in IT infrastructure. If your focus is on easy setup and shared access, NFS is ideal. If you need performance and block-level access, iSCSI is the preferred option. Carefully evaluate your workload needs and select the solution that best suits your requirements.

Need assistance setting up NFS or iSCSI in your environment? Lara IT Solutions can help with configuration, optimisation, and troubleshooting. Contact us today!