NFS Server Setup on Linux | Step-by-Step Guide to Share Files Over Network

Learn how to set up an NFS server on Linux using AWS and RHEL 9. This practical guide covers installation, configuration, security settings (SELinux, firewall), and client-side mounting to enable real-time file sharing across your network.

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NFS Server Setup on Linux | Step-by-Step Guide to Share Files Over Network

Ever wished you could share files across multiple Linux machines as if they were local? That’s exactly what NFS (Network File System) delivers. In this hands‑on guide you’ll learn how I deployed an NFS server on AWS using RHEL 9 and mounted it from a client instance, all while navigating SELinux, firewalls, and cloud security groups. Follow along to create your own real‑time, network‑based file‑sharing environment!

What Is NFS?

Network File System (NFS) is a protocol that lets one Linux host (the server) export directories so other hosts (the clients) can mount them over the network. To the client, the share behaves like any local folder—read, write, and modify in place—but the data lives entirely on the remote server.

Lab Topology

Role	OS / Platform	Purpose
NFS Server	RHEL 9 on AWS EC2	Hosts and exports the shared directory
NFS Client	RHEL 9 (or any modern Linux) on AWS EC2	Mounts and consumes the share
Network	AWS VPC, same subnet	Low‑latency traffic; port 2049 open in the security group

Step 1 — Prepare the NFS Server

1. Update system packages

sudo dnf update -y

2. Install NFS services

sudo dnf install -y nfs-utils

3. Create the shared directory

sudo mkdir -p /srv/nfs/shared
sudo chown nfsnobody:nfsnobody /srv/nfs/shared
sudo chmod 0777 /srv/nfs/shared   # loosest perms for demo

4. Configure export rules

Edit /etc/exports:

sudo tee -a /etc/exports <

10.0.0.0/24 = your client subnet.
no_root_squash lets root on the client act as root on the share (use with caution).

5. Enable & start NFS services

sudo systemctl enable --now nfs-server rpcbind

6. Refresh exports

sudo exportfs -rav

Step 2 — Harden the NFS Server

Control	Command or Setting
SELinux	`sudo setsebool -P nfs_export_all_rw on`
Firewall (firewalld)	`sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=nfssudo firewall-cmd --reload`
AWS Security Group	Inbound TCP 2049 from your client’s IP/subnet

Step 3 — Configure the NFS Client

1. Install NFS utilities

sudo dnf install -y nfs-utils

2. Discover exported shares

showmount -e

3. Create a local mount point

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/shared

4. Test a one‑off mount

sudo mount -t nfs :/srv/nfs/shared /mnt/shared

Confirm: df -h | grep shared

5. Make the mount persistent

Add to /etc/fstab:

:/srv/nfs/shared   /mnt/shared   nfs   defaults,_netdev   0 0

Reload:

sudo mount -a

Step 4 — Verify Real‑Time Sync

On the client

echo "Hello from client $(hostname)" | sudo tee /mnt/shared/hello.txt

On the server

cat /srv/nfs/shared/hello.txt
# Output should match the client's message

If the content appears instantly, your NFS share is live!

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Symptom	Quick Check
Mount hangs	Confirm port 2049 open in AWS SG & firewalld
Permission denied	Check `/etc/exports` subnet mask and SELinux booleans
Slow transfer	Ensure both instances are in the same AZ & use enhanced networking

Why NFS Matters for DevOps

Centralized storage for logs, configs, or build artifacts
Stateless compute nodes; data lives on the NFS appliance
Seamless scaling—add more clients without moving files
Familiar Linux permissions & tooling—no proprietary agents required

Key Takeaways

NFS simplifies file sharing across Linux systems with minimal overhead.
SELinux, firewall, and AWS security groups must align for a secure deployment.
Persist mounts in /etc/fstab so shares survive reboots.
Real‑time sync proves your DevOps pipeline can rely on network storage.

With this quick practical guide you’re ready to spin up a production‑ready NFS environment, whether on AWS, on‑prem, or in any hybrid cloud scenario.

FAQs :

What is NFS in Linux?

NFS (Network File System) is a protocol that allows file sharing between systems over a network, making remote directories accessible like local folders.

What are the benefits of using NFS?

NFS allows centralized file storage, easier collaboration, reduced redundancy, and seamless access from multiple Linux clients.

How do I install NFS on RHEL 9?

Use the command sudo dnf install -y nfs-utils on both server and client systems.

What is the role of /etc/exports?

The /etc/exports file defines which directories to share via NFS and who can access them.

How do I start the NFS service?

Use sudo systemctl enable --now nfs-server to start and enable the service on boot.

How do I check shared directories from a client?

Use showmount -e to view exported directories.

How do I mount an NFS share?

Use mount -t nfs :/path /mount/point to mount manually.

How can I make the NFS mount persistent?

Add an entry in /etc/fstab on the client system for automatic mounting at boot.

What port does NFS use?

NFS typically uses TCP port 2049.

How do I configure SELinux for NFS?

Use sudo setsebool -P nfs_export_all_rw on to allow NFS read-write exports.

Do I need to open ports in the firewall for NFS?

Yes, open port 2049 using firewall-cmd and reload the firewall.

Can I use NFS in the cloud?

Yes, NFS works on cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure. Ensure security group rules allow NFS traffic.

What happens if NFS is not mounted at boot?

You’ll need to mount it manually unless /etc/fstab is properly configured.

How do I check if NFS is working?

Try reading/writing a test file in the mounted directory from the client and verify it appears on the server.

Is NFS secure?

NFS is not encrypted by default. Use firewalls and secure networks. For encryption, use NFSv4 with Kerberos or VPN.

What are the limitations of NFS?

NFS can have performance issues over WAN, lacks built-in encryption, and may require advanced tuning for scalability.

Can Windows access NFS shares?

Windows Pro and Enterprise editions support NFS mounting with the appropriate services enabled.

How do I stop the NFS service?

Use sudo systemctl stop nfs-server.

How do I remove a mount?

Use sudo umount /mount/point to unmount the share.

How to fix "permission denied" errors in NFS?

Ensure correct subnet in /etc/exports, proper SELinux settings, and open firewall ports.

What is no_root_squash?

It allows the root user on the client to have root access on the NFS share. Use cautiously.

Can NFS shares be read-only?

Yes, specify ro in /etc/exports.

How does file sync work between server and client?

NFS syncs in real time; any file changes are visible immediately on both systems.

Can I restrict client IPs?

Yes, configure IPs/subnets in /etc/exports for access control.

How do I refresh exports?

Use sudo exportfs -rav to reload the export configuration.

How do I check active NFS shares?

Use exportfs without arguments on the server.

What is _netdev in fstab?

It tells the system to wait for the network to be ready before mounting NFS during boot.

Can I run NFS on different subnets?

Yes, ensure routing and firewall rules allow it.

Is NFS better than Samba?

NFS is preferred in Unix/Linux environments; Samba is better for Windows interoperability.

Can I share multiple directories with NFS?

Yes, list multiple entries in /etc/exports with different paths and client settings.