A quick guide to understanding network file systems

It is an indispensable file-sharing system that enables access to files on client computers via a network— anyone connected to the network can share and receive data seamlessly, which makes it a distributed file system.

In short, a network file system allows businesses to access and share crucial information with concerned personnel from anywhere, at any time, using any device connected to the client network.

The NFS protocol evolves continuously since it is an open-sourced solution where anyone can implement or modify protocols on all operating systems. 

Which is why it’s easy to lose track of the inner workings of an NFS system. Keep reading to understand exactly how an NFS works, as we explore its different versions. 

How does NFS work?

NFS is usually implemented in computing systems that have a common center for data and resource management. It works on all networks that are run by IP and uses UDP and TCP for delivering and accessing data.

To begin with, NFS employs a server/client computing model where authorization, authentication, and management of clients are governed by an NFS server. This system facilitates data in its entirety to be shared within a common file system.

The NFS prompts the server to link multiple clients using the "mount" command. The system design can implement security protocols to determine who can access files, thereby creating a secured and simplified work environment.

An NFS can also make use of a file-locking system to enable multiple users to access the same files at the same time. It can manage multiple applications and operations, making content handling a convenient and simplified affair.

How has the Network File System (NFS) evolved over time?

NFS (Network File System) has evolved significantly since its introduction, transforming from a simple, stateless protocol into a secure, stateful, and high-performance standard for distributed file sharing. Each version has added new features, improved performance, and strengthened security to meet modern network and file system demands.

Additional read: NTFS File System

What are the key features of the network file system?

Network File System (NFS) is stable, reliable, and works well in environments ranging from small networks to large enterprises. Modern versions like NFSv4 also include stronger security and better performance. 

• Centralized storage: NFS stores all data on a central server, which simplifies management and backup. Clients don’t need large local disks because files are accessed remotely, reducing storage overhead and administrative effort.
• Transparent access: Users can work with remote files as if they were stored locally. The mounting process is seamless, so applications and users rarely notice the difference between local and networked files.
• High performance and scalability: NFS is optimized for fast file access and can efficiently handle many clients. It scales well, supporting everything from small office networks to large enterprise environments with hundreds or thousands of users.
• Cross-platform support: NFS works across a wide variety of operating systems, including Linux, UNIX, and Windows. This makes it ideal for heterogeneous IT environments where different systems need to share files smoothly.
• Improved security: Modern versions, especially NFSv4, support advanced security features like Kerberos authentication and the SMB protocol includes encryption options. Older versions rely on network firewalls and access controls to protect data.
• File sharing and file locking: Multiple users can safely access the same files simultaneously. NFS provides file-locking mechanisms to prevent conflicts or data corruption when multiple clients try to modify a file at the same time.
• Proven stability: NFS has been in use for over 30 years, making it a mature and reliable protocol. Its long history ensures strong compatibility, wide support, and a track record of dependable network file sharing.

An Overview of the Different Versions of NFS

How efficiently an NFS will perform depends on its version. Currently, there are three versions of NFS, each having a different standard of operation:

1. NFS Version 2 (NFS v2)

It is the oldest and the most compatible version that is in use and was developed in March 1989. It functions on UDP (User Datagram Protocol) via an IP network. This IP network ensures a stable, uninterrupted network connection.

The User Datagram Protocol does not have to establish a connection before initiating data transfer, making data sharing convenient and faster. UDP clients can continue sending requests to another server even when the server is not functional. 

However, NFS version 2 is now effectively obsolete.

2. NFS Version 3 (NFS v3) 

Developed in June 1995, NFS Version 3 (RFC-1813) backs asynchronous writes enabling the server to impose apt policies for synchronizing data. Data synchronization will be carried out before executing the command for data management. The design of NFS Version 3 offers better buffering as against version 2. Sun Microsystems provided this version with TCP as an additional transport option. TCP enables the version to operate over a wide area network with an additional capacity to read and write transfers.

Version 3 also has a COMMIT operation that makes asynchronous writes reliable and an ACCESS RPC to enhance the support for ACLs ( Access Control Lists) and power users. In this version, the server can instantly respond to WRITE RPCs without the need to sync with a disc or NVRAM.

NFS v3 handles huge files and errors more effectively. It can process 64-bit files enabling users to access about 2 GB file size on average. 

3. NFS Version 4 (NFS v4)

NFS version 4 (RFC-3530) is the latest version of NFS with an updated protocol, developed in April 2003.

This version is a stateful file system with strong authentication, improved & advanced file caching, and efficient internalization capacity. 

• It provides greater support for Microsoft Windows file sharing when compared to other versions. 
• It does not need a rpc bind service which makes it easier to run in multiple places. 
• The exports in version 4 can be bound together in a tree structure instead of mounting them separately. 
• The TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) runs on NFS v4 operating between an IP and an application and monitoring data segments. When a data set needs to be resent, it requires only the missing data frames in the TCP set to be resent and not an entire data.

NFS version 4 server accepts commands of TCP port 2049. This port is one of the widely used popular ports in the market that eliminates the necessity to interact with rpcbind and lock servers. 

Additional read: ntfs vs fat32

What are the updated Versions of NFS v4?

Here have a look at the updated versions of network file system:

NFS v 4.1

This is a minor version protocol that has features that enable NFS operations on global WANs. The updated version deploys parallel NFS to solve bandwidth and scaling issues. It uses UTF-8 for supporting internalization (like file names, directories, and other identifiers). NFS V4.1 also uses a new session model and directory delegation to maintain the server's connection with the client and share file operations to the client accessing them respectively

NFS v 4.2 

This latest minor version update was developed in November 2016. This has modern features to enhance the storage of scale-out architecture. This version includes SSC (Server-Side Copy), application I/O (Input/Output) suggestions, space reservations (to make sure all the files have a storage facility), sparse files (files having huge blocks of zero data that will be sent as zeros while reading from the file), ADB support (Application Data Block), and marked NFS that provides partial SELinux support. 

Here's comparing the features and functionalities of the various NFS versions:

How does NFS differ from other network file systems like SMB and AFP?

Network File System (NFS) is one of several protocols designed for sharing files over a network. While it shares the basic goal of enabling remote file access, it differs from other protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) and AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in design, performance, and typical use cases, much like accessing local storage.

NFS vs SMB

NFS vs AFP

Components Needed for NFS Versions

• Pseudo file system: It is a file system that differentiates physical and logical namespace. This is compatible with all three versions of NFS. The pseudo file system also comprises an alias provided by the exported file system.
• Compound RPC: The component combines all relevant operations and reduces unwanted interactions.
• Sessions and Session trunking: It allows single semantics and facilitates uninterrupted availability and efficient performance by engaging multiple networks between NFS Server and NFS 4.1 clients. 

What services are required to run a network file system?

There are several key services that make an NFS file system operational:

• nfs- The nfs service initiates the server and RPC processes to make the shared system compatible. 
• nfs lock- This service begins the RPC processes and permits NFC clients to lock the files.
• portmap- This service helps in making port reservations from local services. portmap responds to notifications on the availability of ports for accessing files.
• rpc.mountd- This helps the users to grant access to the NFS files on a computer.
• rpc.nfsd- This service is used to define NFS versions and protocols for the servers.
• rpc.lockd- This command locks the files on a server.
• rpc.statd- This command will be initiated by the Network Status Monitor Protocol. This notifies a client when a server restarts. It also enables the server to stay online without shutting down.

Additional read: Network level authentication

How do you configure network file system on Windows and macOS systems?

To use the network file system and NFS file shares, you first need to install the NFS client on your system and then connect (mount) the shared folder. Make sure firewall settings and permissions are correctly set on both the client and server.

On Windows

1. Install the NFS Client:

• Windows 11: Go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features > View features.
• Windows 10: Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

• Enable Client for NFS and restart if needed.

• Alternatively, use PowerShell as administrator:
• For Windows Server: Install-WindowsFeature NFS-Client

• For Windows 10/11: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Services-NFS-Client

1. Map the NFS Share:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Use the mount command:

mount -o nolock -o mtype=hard -o timeout=60 \\server_ip\share_name Z:

• You can also map the share through File Explorer as a network drive.

1. Verify the Mount:

• Open File Explorer to check if the share is visible.

• Run mount in Command Prompt to see all active mounts.

On macOS

1. Enable Sharing:
   • Go to System Settings > General > Sharing and turn on File Sharing.
   • Add folders to share and set access permissions for users.

1. Enable NFS Sharing:
   • Click File Sharing > Options and check Share files and folders using NFS.

1. Configure Firewall:
   • If the firewall is active, allow traffic on ports 2049 and 111 for NFS.
   • Connect to the Share:
   • Open Finder > Go > Connect to Server
   • Enter the NFS server address in this format:
   • nfs://server_ip/path/to/share - Click Connect.

1. Map the Share for Other macOS Machines:
   • Use a third-party tool like NFS Manager to manage NFS connections.

What are the benefits of using a network file system?

Using a network file system comes with its own set of benefits. Here, have a look: 

• Any number of clients can gain access to the same data from any remote network host. 
• Computers can share applications eliminating the necessity of local disks thereby saving a lot of space. 
• All users can access the same files and so the data remains updated, consistent, and reliable. 
• File mounting system is common and transparent to every single user.
• NFS supports a heterogenous work environment by allowing the users to run hybrid technologies from different vendors and use components compatible with all technologies. 
• Reduced overheads of system admin as a result of data centralization.
• Minimal use of removable drives and disks mitigating security concerns.

What are the disadvantages of using a network file system?

NFS has several limitations that can affect performance, security, and ease of use, especially in high-traffic or complex network environments.

• Despite the version upgrades, NFS reviews suggest that the bandwidth and scalability of NFS is limited. Not to mention, it tends to slow down if network traffic is heavy.
• Since NFS runs on RPCs, it cannot be securely used unless the network server is firewall protected.
• Configuration of file settings in an NFS csn be complex and daunting. 
• NFS is yet to provide support for non-sequential file access for the majority of clients.
• NFS comes with size limitations wherein a maximum of 1MB can be sent in every read or write request.

How to troubleshoot common network file system problems?

If you are having trouble connecting to a network file system, follow these steps to identify and fix the issue:

1. Check physical connections and basic network access

• Inspect cables and devices: Make sure all network cables are intact and that the link/activity lights on your network cards and switches are on.
• Restart devices: Reboot your modem, router, and client computer. This can often fix simple connection problems.
• Test internet speed: If you notice slowness, use tools like speedtest.net to check your connection performance.

2. Use command-line tools for diagnostics

• IP configuration:
  Windows: ipconfig
• Mac/Linux: ifconfig
  Check that your device has a valid IP address. Addresses starting with 169.x.x.x usually indicate a problem.

• Ping: Test basic connectivity to the server or gateway by sending packets to their IP addresses.
  Trace route:

• Windows: tracert
• Mac/Linux: traceroute
  This shows the path your packets take and can help find where the connection fails.

• DNS check: nslookup can help identify name resolution issues.
• NFS service check (Linux/Unix): Use rpcinfo to confirm that required NFS services are running on the server, for example, program 100003 for NFSv4.

3. Review configurations and logs

• Firewall and security: Ensure necessary ports for NFS are open, and check VPN settings if you’re using one.
• Operating system and services: Make sure your OS is up-to-date. For Windows, verify services like SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host are running and set to automatic.
• Server logs: Check the file server or database logs for errors or bottlenecks.

4. Advanced checks

• Network monitoring: Tools like Wireshark can help analyze traffic and identify deeper network issues.
• Test from another client: Try accessing the NFS share from a different computer. If it works, the problem is likely with the original client’s configuration rather than the server or network.

What are the applications of network file system?

Below are a few practical ways to use NFS:

• Using Windows NFS file servers, multiple protocol access can be granted to share or receive the same file over SMB and NFS protocols from clients across various platforms. 
• A window NFS server can be deployed in a non-windows operating system to grant access to a client for sharing NFS files on non-Windows computers.
• Applications can be transferred across different operating systems by storing the data on files that can be accessed via both SMB and NFS protocols. 

We hope this guide gave you insight into the network file system. Drop us a line if you’d like to see us write about anything else!

Frequently asked questions

1. What is NFS vs NAS?

NFS (Network File System) is a protocol that allows remote file access over a network, making files appear as local files on client devices. NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a dedicated storage device connected to a network, which often uses protocols like NFS or SMB. NFS is the access method, while NAS is the storage hardware.

2. What is the latest version of NFS?

The latest stable version of NFS is NFSv4.2, which builds on NFSv4.1. It includes advanced features like parallel file access (pNFS), improved security with Kerberos authentication and encryption, and better support for modern workloads. NFSv4.2 is widely supported on Linux and UNIX-based systems and remains the standard for enterprise-level network file sharing.

3. What protocol does NFS use?

NFS primarily uses the TCP protocol for reliable, stateful communication, though older versions supported UDP. TCP ensures that lost data packets are retransmitted, making it more reliable for large file transfers. NFS clients and servers communicate over well-defined ports, typically 2049 for NFS, and may also rely on portmapper services on port 111 for initial service negotiation.

4. Can I use network file system with Windows?

Yes, Windows supports NFS through the “Client for NFS” feature, available in Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server editions. Once installed, users can mount NFS shares like network drives. Configuration can be done via PowerShell, File Explorer, or the command line. Proper permissions and firewall settings must be ensured for successful access.

5. How secure is the network file system for my data?

NFSv4 and later provide strong security features, including Kerberos authentication, access control lists (ACLs), and optional encryption. Older versions rely on firewalls and network-level protections. Security also depends on proper configuration of permissions, client access, and firewall rules, ensuring only authorized devices can connect to the NFS shares.

6. Can I optimize NFS settings to improve performance?

Yes, NFS performance can be enhanced by adjusting read/write buffer sizes, enabling asynchronous writes, and tuning client and server timeouts. Using TCP instead of UDP, leveraging client-side caching, and optimizing network hardware also improve speed. For large deployments, NFSv4.1’s parallel access (pNFS) can significantly increase throughput across multiple servers.