In the previous chapter, we discussed the details of ISCSI storage troubleshooting. Now we will focus on NFS storage, so let's learn more about the NFS storage architecture. NAS devices are storage arrays or gateways that support file-based storage protocols, such as NFS and Common Internet File System (CIFS), and are typically connected via an IP network. These file-based protocols provide clients shared access to storage resources. This centralization of shared storage resources reduces management complexity, minimizes stranded disk capacity, improves storage utilization rates, and eliminates file server sprawl.

Many customers are expanding the use of NAS to include storage for relational databases such as Oracle and MySQL, server virtualization environments such as VMware VSphere, and virtual desktop solutions such as VMware Horizon View. In a vSphere environment, the ESXi host supports the NFS protocols. An NFS filesystem is located on a NAS device. This...