How Does Amazon EFS Differ from EBS?

When designing and deploying infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS), choosing the right storage solution is essential for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Two of the most commonly used AWS storage services are Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) and Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS). While both provide reliable and secure storage, their underlying architectures, use cases, and performance characteristics are significantly different.

In this article, we’ll explore how Amazon EFS differs from EBS, helping you choose the right solution for your cloud workloads.

What is Amazon EBS?

Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) is a block-level storage service designed for use with Amazon EC2 instances. It provides persistent storage volumes that can be attached to a single EC2 instance at a time. These volumes behave like raw, unformatted block devices and can be formatted with a file system or used directly for applications like databases.

EBS volumes are ideal for applications that require high performance, consistent throughput, and low-latency access to data. Examples include boot volumes for EC2, transactional databases, and applications requiring fast random read/write operations.

What is Amazon EFS?

Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) is a scalable file storage service for use with AWS Cloud services and on-premises resources. Unlike EBS, EFS provides a shared file system that multiple EC2 instances can access simultaneously, making it ideal for distributed applications.

EFS uses the Network File System (NFS) protocol, enabling seamless integration with Linux-based workloads. It automatically scales as you add or remove files, providing elastic storage that grows with your needs without requiring manual provisioning.

Key Differences Between Amazon EFS and EBS

1. Storage Type

• EBS: Block storage. Operates at the block level, similar to traditional hard drives or SSDs.

• EFS: File storage. Operates at the file system level and is accessible via standard file protocols like NFS.

2. Use Case Suitability

• EBS: Best for high-performance, single-instance applications like databases, boot volumes, and latency-sensitive workloads.

• EFS: Ideal for applications that require shared access and parallel processing, such as content management systems, development environments, and big data analytics.

3. Scalability

• EBS: Requires manual provisioning. You must define the size and performance characteristics during volume creation, though resizing is possible later.

• EFS: Fully elastic and auto-scaling. Storage expands and contracts as files are added or removed.

4. Access Patterns

• EBS: Can only be attached to one EC2 instance at a time in a single Availability Zone (AZ). For multi-instance access, Amazon EC2 placement groups or Amazon FSx might be alternatives.

• EFS: Supports concurrent access by multiple instances across multiple AZs, making it suitable for distributed workloads.

5. Performance

• EBS: Offers high IOPS and throughput options like General Purpose SSD (gp3) and Provisioned IOPS SSD (io2).

• EFS: Provides scalable throughput and IOPS, with performance that increases with the amount of data stored. It supports two modes: Bursting Throughput and Provisioned Throughput.

6. Data Durability and Availability

• EBS: Designed for high availability within a single AZ, though it supports snapshot backups to Amazon S3.

• EFS: Automatically replicates data across multiple AZs, ensuring higher availability and durability by default.

7. Cost Model

• EBS: Charged based on provisioned storage and IOPS. Even unused capacity incurs charges.

• EFS: Charged based on actual usage (GB-month). Offers standard and infrequent access storage classes for cost optimization.

8. Backup and Recovery

• EBS: Supports snapshots to Amazon S3 for backup and disaster recovery. Snapshots can be automated using AWS Backup.

• EFS: Integrates with AWS Backup to automate backup management. EFS-to-EFS replication is also supported for cross-region resilience.

Which Should You Use?

Use Amazon EBS if:

• You require high-performance, low-latency storage for a single EC2 instance.

• You are running a database that needs fast block-level access.

• You need fine-grained control over performance and size.

Use Amazon EFS if:

• You need a shared file system accessible by multiple instances.

• Your application requires scalable storage without manual provisioning.

• You’re running containerized applications or microservices requiring persistent shared storage.

Learning More About AWS

Understanding the distinctions between EBS and EFS is essential for any cloud professional. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your skills, exploring foundational and advanced AWS topics can be incredibly beneficial. Many learners opt for hands-on learning through structured programs, including an industry-focused AWS Course in Pune or immersive AWS Training in Pune to strengthen their practical knowledge. For those who prefer classroom interaction and peer discussions, AWS Classes in Pune offer a collaborative learning environment to dive deeper into AWS storage services and other cloud components.

For a broader introduction to cloud technologies and AWS's entire ecosystem, read our blog article: What are Amazon Web Services?

Conclusion

Amazon EBS and Amazon EFS are powerful storage solutions, each designed for different workloads and architectural needs. Understanding their core differences allows you to make informed decisions when building secure, scalable, and efficient applications in the cloud. Choosing the right storage strategy is not just about technical compatibility, but also about optimizing performance, availability, and cost-effectiveness for your specific use case.

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