What is a Network File System (NFS)? - Definition from Techopedia

Network File System (NFS)

What Does Network File System (NFS) Mean?

A network file system (NFS) is a type of file system mechanism that enables the storage and retrieval of data from multiple disks and directories across a shared network.

A network file system enables local users to access remote data and files in the same way they are accessed locally.

NFS was initially developed by Sun Microsystems.

Techopedia Explains Network File System (NFS)

NFS is derived from the distributed file system mechanism. It is generally implemented in computing environments where the centralized management of data and resources is critical. Network file system works on all IP-based networks. It uses TCP and UDP for data access and delivery, depending on the version in use.

Network file system is implemented in a client/server computing model, where an NFS sever manages the authentication, authorization and management of clients, as well as all the data shared within a specific file system. Once authorized, clients can view and access the data through their local systems much like they’d access it from an internal disk drive.

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