Network File System (NFS) vs Server Message Block (SMB)

Network File System is a client/server architecture originally developed for local file sharing among Unix systems, including a client program, a server program, and a protocol to facilitate communication between the client and the server.

The Server Message Block is referred to as the response-request protocol. Application-layer computing is where SMB operates (where users interact with software programs). It sends data over lower network tiers, such as the transport layer (TCP or UDP).

Network File System (NFS)

The Network File System is a widely used technique for file storage across a network. It is a distributed file system to access files and directories on remote machines while treating them as if they were local. It allows easy sharing of data among clients.

For example, users can use operating system commands to create, delete, read, write, and set file attributes for remote files and directories. The NFS software package contains commands and daemons for NFS, Network Information Service (NIS), and other services. Although NFS and NIS are deployed as a single package, they are independently configured and handled separately.

Working of NFS

• The server would use NFS processes to make the data available to clients to access data stored on another system.
• The server administrator decides what to make available and ensures clients can be verified and recognized.
• From the client's side, the machine requires access to exported data, generally with a command.

Read more about Network File System (NFS).

Server Message Block (SMB)

Server Message Block protocol is used in computer applications to read and write files and it also requests services from server programs in a computer network. The SMB protocol can be used combined with other network protocols such as TCP/IP.

The SMB protocol allows a program (or its user) to access files or other resources on a distant server. This enables apps to read, write, and update files on the remote server. It is also used to carry transaction protocols that enable authorized inter process communication.

Working of SMB

• The client first sends an SMB request to the server to establish a connection. The server gets this request and returns an SMB response to the client.
• SMB serves as the basis for Microsoft's Distributed File System implementation and relies on the TCP and IP protocols for transport.
• When this response is received, it opens a communication channel.

Read more about Server Message Block (SMB).

When to use NFS vs SMB

Network File System (NFS) and Server Message Block (SMB) are commonly used to build and manage local area networks (LANs) in environments where the operating systems are uniform. In such setups, shared storage must be accessed as if it were local. Additionally, NFS and SMB are employed in legacy networked environments across distances, as well as in hybrid cloud architectures through the use of gateways.

SMB File Share

If you're setting up network-attached storage (NAS) in a local network, SMB is one of the easiest ways to share and access files. It works well across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Here are some common situations where SMB is used:

• Office networks where multiple Windows computers need to share files
• Large business setups with big storage systems that need to be fast and scalable
• File sharing that needs built-in support for advanced features

NFS File Share

NFS is a good choice when:

• All the computers on your local network use Unix or Linux.
• You want to work with large files.

Difference Between Network File System (NFS) and Server Message Block (SMB)

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Article Tags :

• Computer Networks
• Computer Networks-Network Layer