How to Add NFS onto a NAS for Access from a VMware Server

Introduction

Network File System (NFS) is a distributed file system protocol that allows a user on a client computer to access files over a network in a manner similar to how local storage is accessed. This article will guide you on how to add NFS onto a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) to be able to access it from a VMware server.

Prerequisites

  • A NAS device set up and connected to your network.
  • A VMware server installed and configured.
  • Administrative access to both the NAS and VMware server.

Steps

1. Configure NFS on the NAS

# Log into your NAS device as an administrator.
# Navigate to the NFS settings (the exact path may vary depending on your NAS model).
# Enable NFS service if it's not already enabled.
# Create a new NFS share, select the folder you want to share over NFS.
# Set the permissions as per your requirements.
# Note down the NFS share path, it will be needed to mount the share on the VMware server.

2. Add NFS Datastore in VMware

# Log into your VMware vSphere (or ESXi) client.
# Select the server where you want to add NFS storage.
# Go to Configuration > Storage > Add Storage.
# Select Network File System.
# In the Server field, enter the IP address of your NAS device.
# In the Folder field, enter the NFS share path you noted down earlier.
# Enter a Datastore Name of your choice.
# Finish the wizard and the NFS share should now be available as a datastore in your VMware server.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should now be able to add NFS onto a NAS and access it from a VMware server. This can help you to leverage the storage capabilities of your NAS device and improve the flexibility of your virtual environment.

Please note that the exact steps may vary depending on the specific models of your NAS device and VMware server. Always refer to the official documentation for the most accurate information. If you encounter any issues, contact the support services of your NAS and VMware providers.

References

  • Official VMware Documentation
  • Official NAS Device Documentation

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Updated on January 1, 2024