# SSHFS
SSHFS (opens new window) is a filesystem client to mount and interact with directories and files located in your lab over a normal ssh connection.
# 1. Installation
Depending on the data safety level in your lab, you may mount selected part of your storage system to your client computer over VPN.
Linux (Ubuntu)
Install sshfs:
sudo apt install sshfs
OS X and macOS
Requirement:
You will need the Homebrew package manager for macOS to complete this guide: Install Homebrew package manager for macOS: brew (opens new window).
Warning:
SSHFS installation on new versions of MacOS requires advanced installation with special permissions. You are taking all the responsibility for setup of SSHFS and requirements it might need.
Installation guide:
1.1 Install macfuse:
brew install --cask macfuse
1.2 Allow developer in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> General
1.3 Install sshfs:
Download latest version of sshfs from here (opens new window), open and install it
1.4 Reboot your machine before continuing.
Request access
If you do not see a section to enable develper in your System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> General, you will need to contact your organiational IT support and request access to this section (NTNU Hjelp for NTNU managed Macbooks).
# 2. Configure SSHFS
This step configures SSHFS on your local computer.
Requirements
A working HUNT Cloud VPN and and a working SSH connection to your lab.
2.1. Open new Terminal window and define your labname as a variable.
export labname=<labname>
Change <labname> to your lab and run the line in the terminal on your local computer.
# -- principal example
export labname=demolab
2.2. Make a folder on your local computer that is dedicated as mount point for your lab storage:
Run this code without any changes since we defined your labname above.
mkdir -v ~/${labname}-storage
2.3. Mount your labstorage over SSHFS to your local computer:
For OS X and macOS
Run this code without any changes since we defined your labname above.
sshfs ${labname}: ~/${labname}-storage -o follow_symlinks -o volname="${labname}-storage"
For Linux (Ubuntu)
Run this code without any changes since we defined your labname above.
sshfs ${labname}: ~/${labname}-storage -o follow_symlinks
Simplify future access
You can make an alias in your profile configuration file. This allows you to connect to the lab storage on your local computer with a simple command.
2.4. Connect to HUNT Cloud VPN
2.5. Make an alias in your profile configuration:
For OS X and macOS
echo "alias ${labname}-mount='sshfs ${labname}: ~/${labname}-storage -o follow_symlinks -o volname=${labname}'" >> ~/.profile
The above example adds the alias to your ~/.profile file. Depending on your preferences you may want to add this to other profile/rc config such as ~/.bash_profile, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.zshrc).
For Linux (Ubuntu)
echo "alias ${labname}-mount='sshfs ${labname}: ~/${labname}-storage -o follow_symlinks'" >> ~/.profile
The above example adds the alias to your ~/.profile file. Depending on your preferences you may want to add this to other profile/rc config such as ~/.bash_profile, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.zshrc).
2.6 Source your new alias.
source ~/.profile
2.7 Mount your storage:
<labname>-storage
That's it. With a little bit of luck you should be able to find your lab folders in "Finder"... If not, don't hesitate to contact us here so we can improve this guide together.
# Good to know commands
# Unmount your lab storage
If you wish to stop the mount before you turn off your computer or vpn, you can turn it off with this command:
sudo umount ~/<labname>-storage
# Troubleshooting
# Installation on macOS 11+
Read more
Brew packages above are deprecated and if you are on new version or could not install old way download macFUSE and SSHFS from osxfuse.github.io (opens new window).
Download and open macFUSE:
Start installation and confirm that you trust the developer:
Read the info, then continue:
Approve if you want the installation to continue:
Switch to Security and privacy in System Preferences:
Confirm if you want to allow software from this developer to be used in the system, allowing this is necessary for sshfs to work:
Restart the system immediately if you plan to install sshfs:
After restarting the system, when necessary drivers are loaded, you can continue installing sshfs.
Download and open sshfs:
Confirm if you agree with license agreement:
Approve if you want the installation to continue:
Finish:
