> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/tutorials/backup-and-storage/network-file-storage.md).

# Network File Storage

**Network File Storage** on the <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> platform is a fully managed service that utilizes the [Network File System (NFS)](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] protocol to offer scalable, shared file storage to numerous [Virtual Machines (VMs)](#user-content-fn-2)[^2] within your [Virtual Data Center (VDC)](#user-content-fn-3)[^3].

**Enhancing security with Client-Side encryption:** While your storage benefits from default AES-256 server-side encryption via the backup service, you may require an additional security layer. This document provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply client-side AES-256 encryption to a storage protection plan using a password, ensuring maximum data protection.

Begin with the [<mark style="color:blue;">Network File Storage User Guide</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/network-file-storage) to understand the fundamental concepts and configuration options, and later follow step-by-step instructions in the following tutorial to deploy your advanced workflows:

## Explore Tutorials

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Mount a Network File System Volume on Debian-based Systems</strong></mark></td><td>Mount an NFS volume on Debian-based Systems for efficient and scalable file storage solutions.</td><td><a href="/cloud/tutorials/backup-and-storage/network-file-storage/mount-nfs-volume.md">Mount a Network File System Volume on Debian-based Systems</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

[^1]: A distributed file system protocol that allows remote file access and sharing over a network. NFS enables a client-server model, where a central server provides access to files and directories to remote clients.

[^2]: The virtualization or emulation of a computer system is based on computer architectures and provides the functionality of a physical computer. Virtual machines are based on computer architectures and provide the functionality of a physical computer.

[^3]: A collection of cloud resources used for creating an enterprise-grade IT infrastructure. VDC resources include the processors, memory, disk space, and networks from which Virtual Machine (VMs) are built.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/tutorials/backup-and-storage/network-file-storage.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.