NFS is an Internet Standard, client/server protocol developed in 1984 by Sun Microsystems to support shared, originally stateless, (file) data access to LAN-attached network storage. As such, NFS enables a client to view, store, and update files on a remote computer as if they were locally stored.

What protocol does NFS use?

All versions of NFS can use Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) running over an IP network, with NFSv4 requiring it. NFSv2 and NFSv3 can use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) running over an IP network to provide a stateless network connection between the client and server.

Where is NFS protocol used?

This protocol is mainly implemented on those computing environments where the centralized management of resources and data is critical. It uses the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for accessing and delivering the data and files.