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). Nevertheless, it sends data over lower network tiers, such as the transport layer (TCP or UDP).

What is a 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.

How Does Network File System (NFS) Work?

• The server would use NFS daemon 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 mount command.

What is the 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 interprocess communication.

How Does Server Message Block (SMB) Work?

• 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.

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

Network File System (NFS)	Server Message Block (SMB)
A network File System is a file-storing technique across a network, a distributed file system, enabling users to access files and directories on remote machines.	Server Message Block is a network file-sharing protocol to read and write files while also requesting services from server programs in a computer network.
In the Network File System, File locking is advisory locking.	In the Server Message Block, File locking is mandatory locking.
NFS can provide fast performance, particularly in LANs with high bandwidth and low latency.	SMB provides high-performance data transfer rates, particularly in LANs with high bandwidth and low latency.
It is Open source, and you can use free.	It is Proprietary and requires a license to use
NFS has no built-in encryption and relies on host-based authentication.	SMB supports encrypted and unencrypted methods of authentication.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned about network file systems and server message blocks. NFS is the file-storing protocol to remotely connect data and files across the network and SMB provides applications for clients with a safe and regulated way to open, read, move, create, and update files on distant servers.

Network File System (NFS) and Server Message Block (SMB) – FAQs

Which is better, SMB or NFS?

NFS is recognized for its fast performance and low overhead, whereas SMB is known for its compatibility.

What are the limitations of the NFS server?

Its file offsets are limited to 32 bits, hence the maximum file size that clients can access is 4.2 GB. The data transmission size is restricted to 8 KB, and NFS servers commit data sent by a client to a disk or non-volatile random-access memory.

Is Windows share SMB or NFS?

Windows users can access their files using the SMB protocol.

On which port does Server Message Block SMB run?

SMB uses the TCP and IP protocols for transport. This combination enables file sharing over complex, linked networks, such as the public Internet. The SMB server component utilizes TCP port 445.