What is the right throughput mode for my workload in Amazon EFS?

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Throughput mode determines the throughput that's available to your file system. Amazon EFS offers three throughput modes: Bursting, Provisioned, and Elastic.

Bursting throughput mode

Use Bursting throughput mode for throughput that scales with the amount of storage in your file system.

Provisioned throughput mode

Use Provisioned throughput mode for applications that have a relatively constant throughput. Before you switch to Provisioned throughput mode, check how much throughput you need to provision. To determine your minimum amount of Provisioned throughput, check the average throughput usage for your file system for the previous two weeks. Note the highest peak amount, rounded up to the next megabyte.

Note: If your system's metered size provides a higher baseline rate than the amount of Provisioned throughput, then your system uses Bursting throughput mode. You don't incur charges for Provisioned throughput below your file system's entitlement in Bursting throughput mode.

Elastic throughput mode

If your workloads typically spike in usage, then use Elastic throughput mode. A spiky workload drives high levels of throughput for short periods of time, with otherwise low levels of throughput. Also, use Elastic throughput mode for applications that require additional throughput, or when you have no remaining burst credits.

Note: Elastic throughput mode is available only for file systems that are configured with the General Purpose performance mode.

Related information

Managing file system throughput

Amazon EFS quotas that you can increase

How do Amazon EFS burst credits work?