AWS Knowledge
EBS vs EFS: Key Features and Differences Explained
Piyush Kalra
Nov 4, 2024
Do you consider yourself a developer or a cloud user exploring the vast range of Amazon Web Services storage solutions? If yes, you probably have come across two terms: Amazon Elastic Block Store and Amazon Elastic File System. Both have solid provisions, but they serve different but important needs, which makes the selection a bit complex. This post is here to help you clarify things as it explores the key features and differences between EBS and EFS so that you can make the right choice.
It is important to differentiate between different storage types. Understanding these concepts equips you to set up cloud storage appropriately, which, in turn, increases performance. In this article, we will highlight the core features of both EBS and EFS and advise you on when to opt for these services. Let's begin!
What is Amazon EBS?
(Image Source: Amazon EBS)
EBS is an Amazon-managed storage solution that has been designed for applications that run on EC2 instances for optimum performance. It, thus, functions as a standalone virtual drive that can be plugged into cloud servers. Further, this allows for quicker data flow, which is invaluable to applications such as databases that involve frequent data usage. Crucially, however, this storage ensures that your data is unharmed even when you terminate your server. Lastly, if performance does not meet expectations, this allows you to explicitly adjust performance thresholds by dictation its storage requirements and replication.
When to Use EBS
EBS is ideal for systems, particularly databases, that require quick and dependable block storage solutions. It requires a relatively lower access time and request rate. Taking the MySQL Database as an example, when you host it on an EC2 instance, the EBS attaches and offers the right data storage and timely retrieval to fit your needs.
Key Features of EBS
Different Volume Types: EBS provides two types: SSD, which supports low latency, and HHD, which supports high data throughput.
Snapshots: EBS solidly supports incremental backups, so you are protected from losing changes every time you backup.
Reliability: EBS service's 99.999% data durability means data loss won’t be an issue.
Flexible Scaling: Downtime is unnecessary when altering storage size and enhancing performance.
Monitoring and Automation: Use CloudWatch to observe the workload and utilize AWS tools for backup purposes.
What is Amazon EFS?
(Image Source: Amazon EFS)
EFS is suited for large-scale tasks that require active interaction between multiple virtual machines in different remote locations. This includes cloud-hosted, web-enabled applications with extensible content management systems. For instance, web applications that are load-balanced across several servers can benefit from EFS, as it offloads the storage bottleneck by having only a single set of files.
When to Use EFS
EFS is perfect for situations that require shared access to files across multiple servers. It's ideal for hosting websites, supporting web applications, or managing large volumes of content. For example, if your web application runs on several servers, EFS ensures they all access the same files efficiently.
Key Features of EFS
Automatic Scaling: EFS automatically adjusts to your growing storage needs, so you never have to worry about running out of space.
Managed Backups: As a managed service, EFS simplifies data management with automated backups and lifecycle policies.
Security: EFS is integrated with other AWS data security services, such as encryption and access control, to ensure the safety of data.
Distributed Storage: It deploys around many places to increase availability and durability as well.
Comparing EBS and EFS
Storage Type:
EBS is a block store intended for dedicated use, say having separate hard disks in a multi-computer network system.
EFS offers file storage for shared access, similar to a network drive accessible by multiple users or systems.
Performance:
EBS is useful where high performance is required as it results in 65% increased data access in all instances when speed is a concern. It works best in performance-oriented work environments where data retrieval is the critical factor, such as databases in this case.
EFS is for those applications that require a unified cloud expansion without having dependency on counter connected which can share data with up to 70 % efficiency among its numerous instances that it can support. It is also ideal for web content where relatively small clusters of servers require large database.
Pricing:
EBS pricing relies on the volumes that are classified by their purpose; for example, one can choose between General purpose SA SSD at $0.08 per gb-month or Cold HDD at $0.025 per gb-month while still being charged an additional $0.05 per gb-month for the snapshot
EFS pricing of these classes will also vary. Standard will attract $0.30 per gb-month, the other infrequent use class will cost $0.025 per gb-month, separately other infrequent classes will also attract a discount for data that are accessed less frequently.
Use Cases:
EBS is useful in running applications that require great performance and efficiency, especially when speed and other critical features like consistency. For instance, databases where such features measure performance efficiency.
EFS serves well in scenarios where file information needs to be available to a number of people simultaneously, and all of them should be able to change and save that information, such as in a company intranet.
When to Use EBS or EFS?
Scenarios for Choosing EBS
EBS is appropriate for instances in which high performance and minimal latency are a top priority. For instance, if you are operating a database for an online transaction processing system, EBS can achieve the read and write speeds essential in this scenario. Also, the low latency connection ensures that the transactions are clear without any delays, which is critical in improving the overall user experience in mobile applications like e-commerce and even financial services.
Scenarios for Choosing EFS
EFS is absolutely ideal for use for those applications that require shared access between multiple instances, such as a content management system for teams in various JEC locations. Perhaps a company with a Global team and a content management system would benefit from this approach. This configuration allows different users to view and modify files at the same time, thus making it more conducive to collaborative work while at the same time enhancing data integrity. Also, the elastic storage provided by EFS is beneficial for cases where storage needs cannot be accurately predicted, often in web applications that need to adjust to user traffic flexibly.
Advantages of Choosing EBS Over EFS
Cost-Effectiveness for Certain Workloads
EBS could be cheaper for workloads that cannot be accessed by multiple people. At the same time, it would ensure that the correct volume type is selected, like HDD, for throughput-requiring operations.
Better Performance for Transactional Applications
With its block storage architecture, EBS was built for transactional applications. Because of such an attribute, applications requiring high data throughput would prefer EBS due to its consistent IO performance.
Advantages of Choosing EFS Over EBS
Simplicity in Scaling
EFS scales in accordance with the workload requirements, making it suitable for circumstances where the amount of storage required does not remain constant. Provisioning does not have to be a headache.
Easier Management for File-Based Applications
EFS’s fully managed service allows you to concentrate on your application instead of managing storage. Other features like automated backups and lifecycle policies help to lessen management burdens, leading to less operational overhead.
FAQ about EBS and EFS
What Are the Performance Differences?
A single-instance access is expected to yield high performance with EBS, while shared access across multiple instances utilizes EFS, which can scale throughput. Depending on the usage, select the one that is best suited.
How Do Pricing Models Differ?
A lot of factors come together to determine the cost of EBS and these are volume type, size, and IOPS. On the other hand EFS has charges but these are primarily based on storage amount as there are provisions for a standard and an infrequent access model.
Can I Use Both EBS and EFS Together?
Certainly! Some applications require a low latency, and in such a case, EBS is ideal. However, EFS is better for such an application as it allows access from multiple locations. Analyze your requirements for the best setup configuration.
Conclusion
In cloud storage solutions, the key decision revolves around which solution will help deliver the best efficiency for the organization. Whether it is EBS or EFS, it is important to determine your needs first.
When considering EBS vs. EFS, consider the applications’ needs in terms of latency, required levels of shared access, or expected growth. Each solution has its advantages, and since they are designed for diverse needs, they will extend your Amazon Web Services arsenal.
Happy cloud computing!
Join Pump for Free
If you found this post interesting, consider checking out Pump, which can save you up to 60% off AWS for early-stage startups, and it’s completely free (yes, that's right!). Pump has tailor-made solutions to take you in control of your AWS and GCP spend in an effective way. So, are you ready to take charge of cloud expenses and maximize the most from your investment in AWS? Learn more here.
