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When choosing between NFSv3 and NFSv4 for VMware NFS datastores on a NetApp storage system, what is the general recommendation to use which one of versions?

  • 1.  When choosing between NFSv3 and NFSv4 for VMware NFS datastores on a NetApp storage system, what is the general recommendation to use which one of versions?

    Posted Mar 26, 2025 02:47 PM

    From NetApp storage point of view, NFSv4 introduces additional complexity (e.g, session management, stateful protocols) that doesn't provide significant benefits for VMware workload, NFSv3 is a well-tested and stateless protocol that works reliably with VMware. Particularly, during takeover/giveback operation of the controllers which will be used during the mainteance and upgrade, NFSv4 could defeats the Non-Disruptive upgrade.
    So, we intend to prefer v3 over v4, unless there are Kebero security requirements. 

    With those being said about NetApp storage, what is VMware's guideline on which version we should choose?