Skip to main content
NetApp Knowledge Base

Why may NFSv3 perform better than NFSv4.x?

Views:
321
Visibility:
Public
Votes:
2
Category:
ontap-9
Specialty:
nas
Last Updated:

Applies to

  • ONTAP 9
  • NFSv3 to 4.2

Answer

  • There are several reasons:
    • Locking is not required for NFSv3
      • Locking adds more overhead for NFS clients and servers
      • Locking also may require communication with other clients, adding further delays
    • Each call is a separate RPC call in NFSv3
      • This may be faster or slower depending on the workload
    • Features like delegations offload requirements to other clients
      • Other clients being required to handle delegations create extra delays
    • NFSv4 retains state which may not perform as efficiently
    • Older versions of Linux or ONTAP are not as optimized as newer versions for NFSv4.x optimal performance

Additional Information

additionalInformation_text
NetApp provides no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability or serviceability of any information or recommendations provided in this publication or with respect to any results that may be obtained by the use of the information or observance of any recommendations provided herein. The information in this document is distributed AS IS and the use of this information or the implementation of any recommendations or techniques herein is a customer's responsibility and depends on the customer's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the customer's operational environment. This document and the information contained herein may be used solely in connection with the NetApp products discussed in this document.