Skip to main content
NetApp Stage KB

Why does external encryption result in lower deduplication savings

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF

Views:
1
Visibility:
Public
Votes:
0
Category:
clustered-data-ontap-8
Specialty:
generalsupport
Last Updated:

Applies to

  • ONTAP
  • Storage Efficiency
  • Encryption 

Answer

  • Files encrypted externally prior to being written to ONTAP result in lower deduplication savings compared to files encrypted natively within ONTAP.
  • External encryption alters data block patterns, preventing effective matching between otherwise similar files.
  • As a result, encrypted block strings do not align with those of nearly identical files stored on the same system.
  • This lack of block-level similarity significantly reduces deduplication efficiency.
  • When files are unencrypted or encrypted natively using ONTAP features such as NVE or other supported encryption options, deduplication savings can be fully realized.

Additional Information

NetApp provides no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability or serviceability of any information or recommendations provided in this publication or with respect to any results that may be obtained by the use of the information or observance of any recommendations provided herein. The information in this document is distributed AS IS and the use of this information or the implementation of any recommendations or techniques herein is a customer's responsibility and depends on the customer's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the customer's operational environment. This document and the information contained herein may be used solely in connection with the NetApp products discussed in this document.