{
  "slug": "pnfs",
  "term": "Parallel NFS (pNFS)",
  "aliases": [
    "pNFS",
    "Parallel Network File System"
  ],
  "definition": "Parallel NFS lets clients use metadata-server-provided layouts to access file data directly on storage devices.",
  "note": "The metadata server manages the file namespace and layouts; the storage protocol carries data I/O. Layout types specify different protocols and coordination requirements, so pNFS does not mean only NFS-speaking data servers. [pnfs-types]\n\nSupport is optional in NFSv4.1, and ordinary access through the metadata server remains available. A layout does not replace the required file-access permissions or locking state. [pnfs-core]",
  "status": "shipping",
  "advantages": [],
  "supersedes": [],
  "supersededBy": [],
  "firstSeen": null,
  "lastSeen": null,
  "updated": "2026-11-09",
  "limitations": [
    {
      "text": "A layout type's guarantees cannot be transferred unchanged to another type.",
      "citationIds": [
        "pnfs-types"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "pnfs-layout",
    "nfs-storage",
    "file-storage",
    "nas",
    "nfs-stateid"
  ],
  "citations": [
    {
      "id": "pnfs-types",
      "title": "RFC 8434: Requirements for Parallel NFS Layout Types, sections 1-3; roles, layout-specific protocols and control requirements.",
      "url": "https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc8434.html",
      "accessed": "2026-11-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "pnfs-core",
      "title": "RFC 8881: NFSv4.1, sections 12.5.1, 12.5.4 and 13.7; layout access, attribute synchronization and COMMIT routing.",
      "url": "https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc8881.html#section-12",
      "accessed": "2026-11-09"
    }
  ]
}