nfs-delegation · shipping · also NFS delegation, NFS read delegation, NFS write delegation

NFSv4 file delegation

An NFSv4 file delegation is a recallable server grant allowing a client to manage specified opens and cached file state locally while conflicting access is coordinated by the server.

Related Observatory article: NFSv4 file delegation on hesela.com

Read and write delegations have different permissions. A write delegation may defer transmitting modified data at application close; conflicting access must be coordinated through return or revocation under the protocol rules. Delegation is not permanent ownership, a backup, or evidence that the server already stores the latest bytes durably.

Relations

related

nfs-storage, close-to-open-consistency, nfs-attribute-cache, nfs-commit

Limitations

• Without an OPEN delegation, NFSv4.0 and NFSv4.1 require modified data on server stable storage before protocol CLOSE; delegated close behavior must not be generalized to that case. [1, 2]

Citations

1. Haynes and Noveck (editors). NFS Version 4 Protocol. RFC 7530, sections 10.3, 10.4 and 10.6 (NFSv4.0). (accessed 2026-10-14)
2. Noveck and Lever (editors). NFS Version 4 Minor Version 1 Protocol. RFC 8881, sections 10.3-10.6 (NFSv4.1). (accessed 2026-10-14)
3. NFS stable writes: what COMMIT, flush and FUA actually promise (accessed 2026-10-14)

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