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Mount.nfs4: Connection Reset by Peer

The error “mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer” occurs when an NFS server unexpectedly closes the connection, often due to network issues, server misconfigurations, or client-side errors, including incorrect mount options or DNS problems. In cloud setups like AWS, security groups and permissions can also block NFS traffic. Understanding these causes helps troubleshoot and prevent the issue.

What is “mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer”?

When an NFS client attempts to connect to an NFS server and the server abruptly cuts the connection, the error “mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer” appears.

• Network problems include unreachable server IPs, firewalls, and routing issues.
• Server-side issues include high server load, incorrectly configured exports, and non-running NFS services.
• Client-side errors include incorrect mount settings or problems with DNS resolution.
• NFS traffic may be blocked in AWS or other cloud environments due to improper security groups, subnets, or permissions.

Simply put, it indicates that the client’s request was interrupted before a suitable connection could be made.

Read simple steps to troubleshoot the NFS fileid error.

How to Fix the “mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer” Error

The “mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer” error happens when an NFS server abruptly closes the connection during a mount attempt. This can be caused by network issues, server misconfigurations, or security settings. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix it.

• Check Network Connectivity and Firewall Rules

Verify that the client can reach the NFS server’s IP and port 2049 using tools like ping or telnet, ensure firewalls on the client, server, and any intermediate devices allow NFS traffic and that security groups in cloud setups permit port 2049, and confirm that hostnames resolve correctly, enabling DNS hostnames for the VPC if needed.

• Inspect NFS Server Configuration

Confirm that the NFS server is running and properly configured, verify that the NFS share is correctly exported and accessible to the client’s IP or hostname, and check cloud file system policies, such as in AWS EFS, to ensure the client has access, adjusting them temporarily for testing if needed.

• Review NFS Client Settings

Ensure your mount command uses options compatible with the server version and security settings, such as vers=4, minorversion=1, sec=sys, and check /etc/hosts.allow and /etc/hosts.deny to confirm the server IP or hostname is not blocked.

• Cloud-Specific Considerations

Ensure the client instance and mount target are in the same availability zone, verify that security groups allow NFS traffic between them, and confirm that DNS hostnames are enabled for the VPC where the client resides.

• Troubleshooting Steps

Use mount -vvv for detailed output during the mount attempt, review system logs on both client and server for errors or warnings, and try mounting with minimal options to rule out complex configuration issues.

Best Practices to Prevent Future Issues

• Ensure that network connectivity is steady and the client can consistently connect to the NFS server.
• Confirm that security groups and firewalls permit both-way NFS traffic on port 2049.
• Verify that the NFS server is operational, that shares are exported accurately, and that there are enough resources.
• Make use of mount options that are appropriate for the security settings and server version.
• Validate that the client and mount targets are in the same availability zone while working in cloud settings.
• For the VPC in which the client lives, configure DNS hostnames and align security groups.
• Keep an eye on server performance and logs to identify and address problems early.

Learn how to solve NFS mount issues caused by network error 53.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, the mount.nfs4: Connection reset by peer error occurs when the NFS server unexpectedly closes the connection, and checking network, server, client, and security settings can help fix and prevent it.

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