Storage protocols: iSCSI, NFS and SMB
Block versus file storage, what iSCSI, NFS and SMB are for, and the mistakes that corrupt data.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Length
- About 35 minutes
- Contents
- 3 lessons · 1 video · final exam
- Status
- Published · updated 1 Oct 2026
Skills you'll practise
- Distinguish block and file storage
- Explain iSCSI targets, initiators and LUNs
- Choose SMB or NFS for a use case
- Avoid multi-host LUN corruption and mismatched jumbo frames
Course outline
- 1.iSCSI, NFS and SMB explainedVideo · 2 min
- 2.Block vs file, and the three protocolsLesson · 15 min
- 3.Connecting storage properly: iSCSI paths, NFS exports and SMB sharesLesson · 16 min
- 4.Troubleshooting storage connectionsLesson · 15 min
- 5.Storage protocols: iSCSI, NFS and SMB: knowledge checkKnowledge check · 16 questions
- 6.Storage protocols: iSCSI, NFS and SMB: practical exerciseKnowledge check · 1 question
- 7.Final exam8 questions · passing it completes the course, so people who already know the material can test out
Sources it draws on
The lessons and questions are written from these references, so learners can go back to the original.
- RFC 7143: Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) Protocol (Consolidated)
- RFC 7530: Network File System (NFS) Version 4 Protocol
- Microsoft: SMB overview (Windows Server documentation)
See it with your own jobs and topics
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