Setup NFS

When working with large datasets or model files, fast and efficient file access is essential for a smooth demo and development experience.

Using NFS (Network File System) enables seamless file sharing between an Ubuntu machine (server) and the Modalix DevKit (client), providing direct access to large storage without requiring local copies.

Note

NFS is particularly useful when the DevKit lacks high-speed, large-capacity storage such as NVMe. This applies to platforms like the MLSoC and the Modalix Early Access Kit (EA), where relying solely on SD cards can lead to slower load times.

NFS can be especially helpful when:

• Large models or datasets need to be shared across multiple devices.

• Local storage on the client is limited or unavailable.

• Centralized storage management is preferred for simplified updates.

Step 1. Setting Up the NFS Server

1. Install the NFS Kernel Server:

   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo apt update
   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo apt install -y nfs-kernel-server
   

2. Create a Shared Directory:

   Choose a directory to share with the Modalix DevKit:

   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo mkdir -p /mnt/nfs_share
   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo chmod 777 /mnt/nfs_share
   

3. Edit the NFS Exports File:

   Open the exports file:

   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo nano /etc/exports
   

   Add the following line at the end, replacing <modalix_ip> with the Modalix DevKit’s IP address:

   /mnt/nfs_share <modalix_ip>(rw,sync,no_subtree_check)
   

   If you want to allow access from any IP in your network (for testing), use:

   /mnt/nfs_share *(rw,sync,no_subtree_check)
   

4. Apply the Changes and Restart NFS Service:

   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo exportfs -a
   sima-user@sima-user-machine:~$ sudo systemctl restart nfs-kernel-server
   

Step 2. Setting Up the NFS Client

1. Create a Mount Point:

   modalix:~$ sudo mkdir -p /mnt/
   

2. Mount the NFS Share:

   Replace <server_ip> with the Ubuntu machine’s IP address:

   modalix:~$ sudo mount <server_ip>:/mnt/nfs_share /mnt/
   

3. Verify the Mount:

   Check if the NFS share is mounted correctly:

   modalix:~$ df -h | grep mnt
   

Step 3. Making the Mount Persistent

To automatically mount the NFS share at boot, perform the following steps on Modalix:

1. Create the ``mnt.mount`` file:

   modalix:~$ sudo vi /etc/systemd/system/mnt.mount
   

2. Add this content to the file, be sure to replace the server_IP to the Ubuntu machine:

   [Unit]
   Description=NFS Mount
   After=network-online.target
   Requires=network-online.target
   
   [Mount]
   What=<server_IP>:/mnt/nfs_share
   Where=/mnt/
   Type=nfs
   Options=defaults,_netdev
   
   [Install]
   WantedBy=multi-user.target
   

3. Save and exit. Then, test the configuration:

   modalix:~$ sudo systemctl daemon-reload
   modalix:~$ sudo systemctl enable mnt.mount
   modalix:~$ sudo systemctl start mnt.mount