Nutanix Files

Overview

Nutanix Files is a software-defined, scale-out file storage solution that lets you share files in a centralized and protected location to eliminate the requirement for a third-party file server.

Files combines one or more file server VMs (FSVMs) into a logical file server instance, sometimes referred to as a Files cluster. You can create multiple file servers within a single Nutanix cluster.

Files can be accessed via SMB or NFS shares and is consumed per TB at Expedient.

Nutanix Files is accessible via the Prism Central app switcher found at the top left. Please be aware that any usage beyond your contracted amount will result in additional billing.

Details and Availability

Nutanix Files requires an existing Expedient Nutanix Private Cloud AHV cluster.

Expedient will configure FSVMs as part of the delivery process.

• For SMB, Expedient will connect Files to a client’s existing Active Directory.

• For NFS, Expedient will connect Files to a client’s existing LDAP server.

File vs Block vs Object

• Nutanix Files is not object storage and may not be ideal for large media files or other common object storage use cases.

• Nutanix Files is not block storage and cannot run a server / OS directly.

• Nutanix Files should not be used to run a database.

Standard vs Distributed Shares

A Standard Share is SMB share or NFS export hosted by a single FSVM (file server VM).

Distributed Share

A distributed share spreads the workload by distributing the hosting of top-level directories across FSVMs, which also simplifies administration.

• In a distributed share or export, no files are allowed in the root.

• Nutanix recommends managing Distributed Shares "Top-Level Directories" using Nutanix Files MMC Snap-in.

• Distributed shares are only available on deployments of three or more FSVMs.

Disaster Recovery for Files

FSVM can be configured for DR like a normal VM and will failover and failback with the rest of your environment.

Files creates a volume group (VG) for every FSVM to provide stable storage for persistent states and audit events. During a service outage, the states, storage, and events of a VG fail over to another FSVM. Files also creates a dedicated container for every file server instance. If you choose to delete a file server, you can delete the container in Prism.

Smart DR

For most use cases, Smart DR will not be necessary but is available on request with caveats.

What is Smart DR?

Smart DR enables granular recovery of individual files to the DR target location or the ability to configure unique policies for different shares instead of an entire files server.

Smart DR Requirements

• The Files Manager must have at least two file servers.

• The number of FSVMs between the source and recovery sites must match.

• The primary and recovery file servers must support the same protocols.

• For Active Directory, the primary and recovery file servers must have the same domain name.

• Open required ports as specified here: Nutanix Support & Insights - Ports and Protocols for Files

• Maintain a recommend overhead of at least 15% free space.

Note: Nutanix recommends using file servers on different PE clusters to ensure DR after a cluster-wide outage.