pnfs · shipping · also pNFS, Parallel Network File System

Parallel NFS (pNFS)

Parallel NFS lets clients use metadata-server-provided layouts to access file data directly on storage devices.

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. [1]

Support 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. [2]

Relations

related

pNFS layout, NFS, File storage, NAS, NFSv4 stateid

Limitations

• A layout type's guarantees cannot be transferred unchanged to another type. [1]

Citations

1. RFC 8434: Requirements for Parallel NFS Layout Types, sections 1-3; roles, layout-specific protocols and control requirements. (accessed 2026-11-09)
2. RFC 8881: NFSv4.1, sections 12.5.1, 12.5.4 and 13.7; layout access, attribute synchronization and COMMIT routing. (accessed 2026-11-09)

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