SSHFS remote softlinks requires follow_symlinks

Symbolic links are useful on any operating system to replace long, complicated directory paths with a simpler one. Options for accessing remote symbolic linked paths over SSHFS is best done with the sshfs -o follow_symlinks option.

Example:

  • Server: joe@1.2.3.4 with external HDD /media/BigHDD
  • Laptop: remote SSHFS ~/X

Setup server:

ln -s /media/remote ~/remote

On laptop create remote_netdrive.sh for convenience:

sshfs -o follow_symlinks joe@1.2.3.4: ~/X

then

mkdir ~/X
chmod +x remote_netdrive.sh

Connect to remote HDD from laptop via SSHFS

./remote_netdrive.sh

cd ~/X/BigHDD

To disconnect the SSHFS drive, on laptop:

fusermount -uz ~/X