> 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/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/storage-and-backup/network-file-storage/how-tos/set-up-nfs-cluster.md).

# Set Up a Cluster

A cluster represents a directory with individual file systems, called shares, within the Network File Storage cluster.

## Prerequisites

* Only contract administrators, owners, and users with **Access and Manage Network File Storage** privilege are allowed to create a cluster. You can set the privilege via the DCD group privileges. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Manage User Access</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/getting-started/basic-tutorials/manage-user-access).

## Create a Cluster

To create a Network File Storage cluster, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the DCD with your username and password.
2. Go to **Menu** > **Storage** > **Network File Storage**.
3. Select **Create Cluster** to create a new cluster.
4. Enter the following details in the **Create Cluster** window:
   * [<mark style="color:blue;">Define Cluster Properties</mark>](#define-cluster-properties)
   * [<mark style="color:blue;">Associate a Data Center LAN with the Cluster</mark>](#associate-a-data-center-lan-with-the-cluster)
5. Click **Save** to create the cluster.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** Your Network File Storage Cluster is now created.
{% endhint %}

## Define Cluster Properties

To define cluster properties, specify the following:

1. **Cluster Name:** Enter an appropriate name for your cluster.
2. **Location:** This product is currently available in the German data centers. The value is set to **Germany / Berlin**, by default. Select a value from the drop-down list to change the data center.
3. **Size:** Select the size of the Network File Storage cluster in TiB using the slider. The size determines the billing fees.
4. **File System Version:** By default, the cluster supports the latest NFS protocol version **NFSv4.2**.

## Associate a Data Center LAN with the Cluster

You can also follow the steps mentioned in the **Finding your Private IP address** section on the right side to retrieve an IP address.

1. **Datacenter:** Select a data center from the drop-down list to associate it with the cluster. The datacenter indicates the location of the Network File Storage cluster. The available data centers in the drop-down list vary according to the chosen **Location**. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Define cluster properties</mark>](#define-cluster-properties). Currently, the product is available only in the data centers in Germany.
2. **Datacenter LAN:** Select a LAN to which the Network File Storage cluster must be connected in the data center.
3. **Private IP:** Enter a private IP address or the subnet using the available [<mark style="color:blue;">Private IPs</mark>](https://www.ionos.com/help/server-cloud-infrastructure/private-network/private-ip-address-ranges/).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** To know your **private IP address/Subnet**, you need to:

* Create a single server connected to an empty private LAN and check the IP assigned to the respective NIC in the selected LAN. The **DHCP** in that LAN always uses a **/24 subnet**, so you must reuse the **first 3 octets** to reach your database.
* To prevent a collision with the DHCP IP range, it is recommended to use IP addresses ending between **x.x.x.3/24** and **x.x.x.10/24** (which are never assigned by DHCP).
* If you have disabled DHCP on your private LAN, you must discover the IP address on your own.
  {% endhint %}


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