NFS — File sharing solution for an Enterprise!
What is NFS? What features does the NFS provide to an Enterprise? In this article, we will learn what the use of NFS role services is, we will also cover are different types of NTFS permissions. We will also study the architecture of NFS.
NFS is developed by SUN microsystem so that it can be used on its UNIX based workstation. NFS stands for Network File System. The Network File system is the services under file and storage services. You can transfer the files from one operating system to another using NFS role services. NFS is compatible with all operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and UNIX. NFS is a client\server application that lets the computer user view and optionally store and update files on the remote computer. The enterprise that has a heterogeneous environment NFS provides them a file-sharing solution.
In figure1 the windows user shares the file using the Network file system by giving access to two users that is Linux and OS X. when we are configuring the file to be shared with the help of NFS, we need to enter the IP address of the users. The file is shared with the IP mentioned by a system administrator. NFS uses remote procedure calls (RPCs) to route requests between client and server. NFSv4.2 requires the use of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), but NFS versions two and three allow the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) running over an IP network to provide stateless network connections between clients and server.
NFS is user friendly. An enterprise, which wants to share a particular folder with the client, can share the folder through NFS share. One can access the file shared remotely. It reduces the need for storage media. An enterprise can also limit the permission given to that particular client by setting up the New Technology File System (NTFS) permissions.
New Technology File System (NTFS) file permission are listed folder content, read, write, modify, and full control. By setting up the proper permissions, an enterprise can control the access to the file. One can block the write operation so that the data will not be altered. By enabling the list folder content, the user can see the folder. By enabling the read or write permissions, the data can be read or written to the folder. When executing permission the file inside that particular folder can be executed. An enterprise can use all this permission set of NTFS to give permission to users so that the access can be limited to that particular user or group.
Applications of NFS
• Provide multi-protocol access
• Provides non-windows client computer access, as it supports all the operating system
• Migrate applications
The disadvantage of NFS share is that if the load increases i.e. if there is heavy-duty network traffic NFS slows down. NFS is based on RPC, it must be used in a secured network by setting up a firewall else it is venerable to internet threats.
