CIFS vs NFS
CIFS (Common Internet File System) is a protocol that allows for file sharing across a corporate network. CIFS uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol to provide file-sharing services.
NFS (Network File System) is a protocol that allows for file sharing across a corporate network. NFS uses the NFS protocol to provide file-sharing services.
Both CIFS and NFS are protocols that allow for file sharing across a corporate network.
CIFS vs NFS: Key Differences
There are some key differences between the two protocols.
| CIFS | NFS | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIFS is based on the SMB protocol | NFS is based on the NFS protocol |
| 2 | CIFS uses a client/server model | NFS uses a peer-to-peer model |
| 3 | CIFS provides file locking and file caching | NFS does not provide file locking and file caching |
| 4 | CIFS is typically used for Windows-based networks | NFS is typically used for Unix/Linux-based networks |
| 5 | CIFS can enable cross-platform file sharing | NFS requires all clients to use the same operating system |
| 6 | CIFS is typically faster than NFS | NFS is more scalable |
| 7 | CIFS also supports NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication | NFS does not support NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication |
| 8 | CIFS uses encryption for data in transit | NFS supports the use of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for data in transit |
| 9 | CIFS operates port 445 | NFS operates port 2049 |
| 10 | CIFS uses compression for data in transit | NFS does not use compression for data in transit |
| 11 | CIFS can use Direct Memory Access (DMA) for data transfer | NFS can not use Direct Memory Access (DMA) for data transfer |
| 12 | CIFS uses the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) for naming file shares | NFS uses the Export File System (EFS) naming convention |
| 13 | CIFS supports long file names | NFS does not support long file names |
| 14 | CIFS can use Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) for data transfer | NFS can not use Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) for data transfer |
How to Choose between NFS and CIFS?
When choosing between CIFS and NFS, it is important to consider the needs of your network.
- If you need file locking and file caching, then CIFS is the better choice.
- If you need a peer-to-peer model, then NFS is the better choice.
- If you are working with a Windows-based network, then CIFS is the better choice.
- If you are working with a Unix/Linux-based network, then NFS is the better choice.
How is File Sharing with the Help of CIFS and NFS?
When configuring CIFS, each file share is given a UNC path. This UNC path can be used by any client on the network to access the files in the file share.
To access a CIFS file share, the client must have a user account that has been given permission to access the file share. The client must also have the correct permissions for the files and folders in the file share.
NFS does not use UNC paths. Instead, each file share is given an Export File System (EFS) path. This EFS path can be used by any client on the network to access the files in the file share.