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Understanding NAS file access

You can configure file servers on an SVM that allow NAS clients to access storage over NFS, CIFS, or both concurrently. In a multiprotocol configuration, clients access files regardless of the protocol they are connecting with or the type of authentication they require.

The NFS and CIFS servers you create are logical entities that enable the SVM to present a single namespace to clients. The namespace offers access to file storage on many cluster nodes via a single NFS mount or CIFS share.

  • Namespaces and junction points
    A NAS namespace is a logical grouping of volumes joined together at junction points to create a single file system hierarchy. A client with sufficient permissions can access files in the namespace without specifying the location of the files in storage. Junctioned volumes can reside anywhere in the cluster.
  • How ONTAP controls access to files
    ONTAP controls access to files according to the authentication-based and file-based restrictions that you specify.
  • How ONTAP handles NFS client authentication
    NFS clients must be properly authenticated before they can access data on the SVM. ONTAP authenticates the clients by checking their UNIX credentials against the name services that you configure.