Using the `showmount` command (with examples)

The showmount command is a useful tool provided by Windows Server that allows users to display information about NFS filesystems. It provides insights into exported filesystems, mounted directories, and NFS clients. This article will delve into eight different use cases of the showmount command, explaining the code, motivations for using each example, arguments, and providing sample outputs.

Use Case 1: Display all exported filesystems

Code:

showmount -e

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when administrators and users need to gather information about the filesystems that are being exported by the NFS server. By displaying all exported filesystems, users can understand the available resources shared by the server.

Arguments:

• -e: Specifies that the showmount command should display all exported filesystems.

Example Output:

Exports list on {ServerName}:
/C/Exported_Folder
/D/Shared_Drive

Use Case 2: Display all NFS clients and their mounted directories

Code:

showmount -a

Motivation: This use case helps identify the NFS clients that have mounted directories from the server. It enables administrators to monitor and manage the client-server connections effectively.

Arguments:

• -a: Instructs showmount to display all NFS clients and their mounted directories.

Example Output:

All mount points on {ServerName}:
NFS_Client_1:/C/Client_Mounted_Folder
NFS_Client_2:/D/Client_Drive

Use Case 3: Display all NFS mounted directories

Code:

showmount -d

Motivation: In scenarios where administrators want to view all mounted directories on the server, this use case becomes very helpful. By displaying all the NFS mounted directories, it becomes easier to verify and manage the mounted resources.

Arguments:

• -d: Specifies that the showmount command should display all NFS mounted directories.

Example Output:

All directories mounted on {ServerName}:
/C/Client_Mounted_Folder
/D/Client_Drive

Use Case 4: Display all exported filesystems for a remote server

Code:

showmount -e server_address

Motivation: This use case allows users to query another NFS server to gather information about its exported filesystems. It is valuable when investigating the shared resources of a remote server.

Arguments:

• -e: Instructs the showmount command to display all exported filesystems.
• server_address: The IP address or hostname of the remote NFS server.

Example Output:

Exports list on {RemoteServer}:
/C/Exported_Folder1
/D/Shared_Drive2