Fibre Channel vs NFS for Data and Log files

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Fibre Channel vs NFS for Data and Log files

gianmh

SSC Enthusiast

Points: 152
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October 13, 2010 at 1:12 pm

#388000

Anyone out there have any experience or opinions on Sql Server 2008 performance and stability when data and logs are located on an NFS vs Fibre Channel?
Thanks so much

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Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 1

NFS?

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

parthi-1705 SSCrazy Eights Points: 9277 More actions · Answer 2

GilaMonster (10/13/2010)
NFS?

NFS-->NETWORK FILE SYSTEMS

storing of data tro network file share system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibre_Channel"> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibre_Channel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_File_System_(protocol)

Thanks

Parthi

Thanks
Parthi

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 3

If that's the scenario (I suspected that's what the OP meant, but wanted confirmation from him) it's not a case of which is best, it's a case of which is allowed.

You cannot store SQL data or log files on a file share. SQL requires certain IO guarantees and the network file system doesn't make those.

There is a traceflag to allow it (no, I'm not telling you which one it is), but enabling that and putting SQL data files on files on a network share is strongly not recommended. It 'll just take one network glitch to bring the database offline, corrupt or even suspect.

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

Pei Zhu-415513 SSCarpal Tunnel Points: 4040 More actions · Answer 4

BTW, sql server 2008 r2 supports datafile/logfile on network share.

cdesmarais 49673 SSCommitted Points: 1863 More actions · Answer 5

cdesmarais 49673

SSCommitted

Points: 1863

October 15, 2010 at 12:14 pm

#1237777

Is the OP maybe talking about fiber vs iSCSI?

Michael Valentine Jones SSC Guru Points: 64818 More actions · Answer 6

Pei Zhu-415513 (10/15/2010)
BTW, sql server 2008 r2 supports datafile/logfile on network share.

Only under specific conditions, which Gail pointed out NFS does not meet.

Description of support for network database files in SQL Server

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304261

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 7

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/varund/archive/2010/09/02/create-a-sql-server-database-on-a-network-shared-drive.aspx

Possible: yes. Advised: Absolutely not.

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736212 More actions · Answer 8

Don't use network shares. You're just asking for trouble. Get a proper SAN or local storage.