File server

In computing, a file server (or fileserver) is a

client–server scheme, where the clients are the workstations using the storage. A file server does not normally perform computational tasks or run programs on behalf of its client workstations (in other words, it is different from e.g. an application server

, which is another type of server).

File servers are commonly found in schools and offices, where users use a local area network to connect their client computers.

Types of file servers

A file server may be dedicated or non-dedicated. A dedicated server is designed specifically for use as a file server, with workstations attached for reading and writing files and databases.

File servers may also be categorized by the method of access: Internet file servers are frequently accessed by File Transfer Protocol or by

NFS

protocol (Unix-like systems).

Database servers, that provide access to a shared database via a database device driver, are not regarded as file servers even when the database is stored in files, as they are not designed to provide those files to users and tend to have differing technical requirements.

Design of file servers

In modern businesses, the design of file servers is complicated by competing demands for storage space, access speed,

throughput, peak loads, and response time, vendors may utilize queuing theory^[1] to model how the combination of hardware and software will respond over various levels of demand. Servers may also employ dynamic load balancing

scheme to distribute requests across various pieces of hardware.

The primary piece of hardware equipment for servers over the last couple of decades has proven to be the

solid-state drives

) disk drives have continued to offer the best fit for cost, performance, and capacity.

Storage

Since the crucial function of a file server is storage, technology has been developed to operate multiple disk drives together as a team, forming a disk array. A disk array typically has cache (temporary memory storage that is faster than the magnetic disks), as well as advanced functions like RAID and storage virtualization. Typically disk arrays increase level of availability by using redundant components other than RAID, such as power supplies. Disk arrays may be consolidated or virtualized in a SAN.

Network-attached storage

Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS devices specifically are distinguished from file servers generally in a NAS being a computer appliance – a specialized computer built from the ground up for serving files – rather than a general purpose computer being used for serving files (possibly with other functions). In discussions of NASs, the term "file server" generally stands for a contrasting term, referring to general purpose computers only.

As of 2010^[update] NAS devices are gaining popularity, offering a convenient method for sharing files between multiple computers.^[2] Potential benefits of network-attached storage, compared to non-dedicated file servers, include faster data access, easier administration, and simple configuration.^[3]

NAS systems are networked

Server Message Block/Common Internet File System), or AFP

.

Security

File servers generally offer some form of system security to limit access to files to specific users or groups. In large organizations, this is a task usually delegated to

eDirectory or Microsoft's Active Directory

.

These servers work within the hierarchical computing environment which treat users, computers, applications and files as distinct but related entities on the network and grant access based on user or group credentials. In many cases, the directory service spans many file servers, potentially hundreds for large organizations. In the past, and in smaller organizations, authentication could take place directly at the server itself.

References

^ File and Work Transfers in Cyclic Queue Systems, D. Sarkar and W. I. Zangwill, Management Science, Vol. 38, No. 10 (Oct., 1992), pp. 1510–1523
^ "CDRLab test" (in Polish). Archived from the original on 2010-10-17.
^ Ron Levine (April 1, 1998). "NAS Advantages: A VARs View". InfoStor.

[1] File and Work Transfers in Cyclic Queue Systems, D. Sarkar and W. I. Zangwill, Management Science, Vol. 38, No. 10 (Oct., 1992), pp. 1510–1523

[cdr-2] "CDRLab test" (in Polish). Archived from the original on 2010-10-17.

[3] Ron Levine (April 1, 1998). "NAS Advantages: A VARs View". InfoStor.

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