📚 Main Topics

• Introduction to VirtioFS in Proxmox
• Setup and Configuration of VirtioFS
• Performance Comparison with Samba
• Usability and Permissions
• Personal Insights and Recommendations

✨ Key Takeaways

• VirtioFS OverviewVirtioFS allows sharing a folder on the host OS (Proxmox) with multiple guest VMs (Linux or Windows) at the file level, functioning similarly to a network share but through guest-host communication.
• GUI IntegrationThe recent Proxmox update includes a GUI for easier setup of VirtioFS, making it accessible for users unfamiliar with command-line configurations.
• Setup ProcessUsers must define the host path to share and map it to the desired VMs. Configuration varies slightly between Linux and Windows guests.
• Performance Metrics
  • LinuxAchieved around 60 MB/s for random IO with VirtioFS, compared to 40 MB/s with Samba.
  • WindowsPerformance issues noted, including high CPU usage and system unresponsiveness during heavy IO operations.
  • Sequential IOBoth VirtioFS and Samba performed well, with speeds over 1.7 GB/s for Samba and 2.4 GB/s for block devices.

🧠 Lessons Learned

• UsabilityWhile VirtioFS simplifies some aspects of file sharing, it does not eliminate the need for configuration, especially in Linux environments where manual mounting is required.
• Permissions ManagementVirtioFS lacks advanced permission settings compared to Samba, which allows for detailed user access control. This could be a significant drawback for users needing strict file access management.
• Windows PerformanceThe implementation of VirtioFS on Windows is less optimal, with significant performance issues that may deter users from adopting it in performance-sensitive environments.
• Personal PreferenceThe speaker prefers to continue using Samba for file sharing due to its established performance and flexibility, especially for mixed environments involving physical systems.

🏁 Conclusion

The addition of VirtioFS in Proxmox is a welcome feature, particularly for Linux users, but it may not replace Samba for all use cases, especially in environments requiring robust permission management or where Windows performance is critical. Users are encouraged to explore VirtioFS but should weigh its benefits against their specific needs and existing solutions.