How to access network storage locations in Linux on the NovaSeq X/X Plus

The NovaSeq X/X Plus instrument requires that an External Storage location is configured prior to setting up a sequencing run. However, the External Storage settings are configured through the NovaSeq X Series Control Software, and this location is not setup as a mounted file system through the Linux Operating System (OS). Therefore, the External Storage location is not accessible through the Files application within the Linux OS.

If access to the External Storage location is required to manually transfer run files or confirm that transfer has completed, see the following steps:

Server Message Block (SMB) Shares

  1. Before beginning, consult with the local IT team to collect the following information:

    1. The fully qualified Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path to the network share

    2. The network login credentials, including:

    3. Username

    4. Domain (if applicable)

    5. Password

  2. Minimize the NovaSeq X Series Control Software by selecting the instrument icon, then Settings, and then Minimize Application.

  3. Select the Activities menu in the top left corner and then open the Files App.

  4. Within Files, select the Other Locations bookmark from the panel on the left.

  5. In the Connect to Server text field, input the following using the UNC path to the network share, then select Connect:

    1. smb://server/share

  6. In the following pop-up screen, select the Registered User radio button, then input the following information:

  • Network Username

  • [DOMAIN] (if no Domain is used, leave field as SAMBA)

  • Password for network Username

  1. Select the Remember forever radio button.

  2. Select the blue Connect button.

  3. The network share is now accessible through the Files App by selecting the share in the bookmarks panel on the left.

Network File System (NFS) Shares [Temporary Mounts]

Note: The instructions below will create a temporary NFS mount for use on the NovaSeq X/X Plus system which will be lost upon reboot. For assistance creating a permanent NFS mount, contact Illumina Tech Support.

  1. Before beginning, consult with the local IT team to collect the following information:

  • IP address or server name for the server hosting the NFS share (Server_IP).

  • The path to the NFS share on the server (Share_Path).

  1. Minimize the NovaSeq X Series Control Software by selecting the instrument icon, then Settings, and then Minimize Application.

  2. Select the Activities menu in the top left corner and then open the Terminal App.

  3. If logged in as ilmnuser, input the su ilmnadmin command, press Enter, and then input the ilmnadmin user password.

  4. Input the following commands to mount the NFS network share, pressing Enter after each command:

    1. sudo mkdir /mnt/nfs_share

    2. sudo mount -t nfs [Server_IP]:/Share_Path /mnt/nfs_share

  5. Select the Activities menu in the top left corner and then open the Files App.

  6. Within Files, select the Other Locations bookmark from the panel on the left.

  7. Select Computer, then /mnt, then the /nfs_share directory to access the network share through the Files App.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8035), contact Illumina Technical Support techsupport@illumina.com.

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