NFS, Network File System

Typical implementation

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Assuming a Unix-style scenario in which one machine (the
client) requires access to data stored on another machine (the NFS
server):

The server implements NFS
daemon processes (running by default as

nfsd

) in order to make its data generically available to clients.
The server administrator determines what to make available, exporting the names and parameters of

directories (typically using the

/etc/exports

configuration file and the

exportfs

command).
The server
security-administration ensures that it can recognize and approve validated clients.
The server network configuration ensures that appropriate clients can negotiate with it through any

firewall system.
The client machine requests access to exported data, typically by issuing a

mount

command. (The client asks the server (rpcbind) which port the NFS server is using, the client connects to the NFS server (nfsd), nfsd passes the request to mountd)
If all goes well, users on the client machine can then view and interact with mounted

filesystems on the server within the parameters permitted.

Note that automation of the NFS mounting process may take place — perhaps using

/etc/fstab

and/or
automounting facilities.