# Set Up a Cluster

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

{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites**: Only contract administrators, owners, and users with **Access and Manage Network File Storage** privilege are allowed to create shares. You can set the privilege via the DCD group privileges. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Set User Privileges for Network File Storage</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/network-file-storage/how-tos/set-user-privileges).
{% endhint %}

## Create a Cluster

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

1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Storage & Backup** > **Network File Storage**.

2\. Select **Create Cluster** to create a new cluster.

3\. 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)

4\. Click **Save** to create the cluster.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** Your Network File Storage Cluster is created and is currently in a **BUSY** state.
{% endhint %}

![Cluster creation is successful](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ce1f1a4e90c8e8381f12f37b00c8feb91fecfd22%2Fnfs-create-cluster-busy.png?alt=media)

## Define Cluster Properties

To define cluster properties, specify the following:

1. **Cluster Name:** Enter an appropriate name for your cluster.
2. **Location:** Select a location of your preference from the drop-down list. The drop-down list displays the server locations where you can create clusters.
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**.

![Define Cluster Properties](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e39cf5f649e16b8ad7796c59d450bc5cb10e863f%2Fnfs-create-cluster-properties.png?alt=media)

## 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).
2. **Datacenter LAN:** Select a LAN to which the Network File Storage cluster must be connected in the data center.
3. **Private IPv4 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 find your **private IP address/Subnet**, refer to the instructions on the DCD as seen in the following image.
{% endhint %}

![Associate a Data Center and LAN with the Cluster](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1e1aa7720aae8a4cb780ed76c840c5203ef29d94%2Fnfs-create-cluster-connection.png?alt=media)