In computing, a file server is a computer that is connected to a network and has shared drives. They can store files with various information (text, graphic, music, video). Workstations have access to shared drives on a file server over a computer network.
The term “server” emphasizes the role of a machine in a client-server architecture, where clients are workstations that use server memory. As a rule, the file server does not perform tasks with calculations and does not start programs at the request of clients. It is intended primarily for storing and providing data, while calculations are performed by workstations.
File servers are typically used in offices and schools where users use a local network to connect their client computers to them.
Hardware and software of the server
In general, a server is understood as a computer that performs additional functions to ensure the operation of other computers in the network, and software installed on this computer. A machine used as a server must have certain characteristics. This primarily concerns the performance and capacity of the drives. This computer becomes a server precisely thanks to the software part. Depending on the applications installed on the server, it can perform different functions.
Definition and purpose
As the name implies, a file server is a server that provides access to files. It acts as a central storage device for storing information that can be accessed by multiple systems. Basically, file servers are intended for use in networks of various companies, but they can also be used in schools, small organizations, and even in home networks.
Ordinary personal computers can be used as file servers in home networks. They store files in folders that are open for sharing by various users.
File Server Types
A file server can be dedicated or non-dedicated. A dedicated server is intended to be used only as a file server. Workstations that can read and write files and databases are connected to it.
In addition, file servers can be classified by access method. Network servers are often accessed using file transfer protocol (FTP) or hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Do not confuse network servers with web servers, which often offer dynamic content in addition to static files. Access to a file server on a local network is usually accomplished using the remote access protocol for files and network resources SMB / CIFS (Windows and UNIX-like systems) or the network access protocol for file systems NFS (UNIX-like systems).
Database servers provide access to public databases through the database storage device driver. They cannot be considered file servers, since they can use the write lock function.
As the operating system for a network file server, the most popular operating system (OS) is Linux. This is due to economic considerations and the stability of this system. In addition, Windows and Unix can be used.
The choice of file server type in a company is determined by the amount of information and the number of users.
File server structure
Working with a file server in an organization is characterized by increased requirements for memory size, access speed, data recovery capabilities, ease of management, security and cost. In addition, the ever-changing external environment, in which new hardware and technology is rapidly replacing obsolete hardware, is influencing file server operations. At the same time, to ensure stable operation, new devices must be compatible with old ones.
In the organization, as a rule, a dedicated server acts as a file server, designed to store data necessary for the functioning of the company.
Developers apply service theory to manage bandwidth, load limits and response times. This allows them to correctly combine hardware and software to respond to requests of various importance levels. Servers can also use a dynamic load balancing scheme to distribute requests between different hardware devices.
Servers mainly use hard drives as memory, but solid-state drives and tape drives can be used.
File storage
Since the main function of the file server is to store data, the development of technology in this direction consists in the use of many hard drives as a whole, the formation of a disk array. A disk array usually has cache memory (temporary storage device faster than magnetic disks). The file server disk array functions are the same as the redundant array of independent disks (RAID array). It increases the level of data availability with the help of redundant components that differ from the RAID array - power supplies. Disk arrays can be combined in a storage area network (NAS).
Network Attached Array (NAS)
Network disk array is a five-level data storage connected to a computer network that provides access to a heterogeneous group of clients.
A NAS device differs from file servers in that it is a specialized computer built specifically for storing files. In turn, a file server is a server that is implemented mainly on general-purpose computers that have many different functions, including file storage. In other words, almost any computer can be used as a file server.
In recent years, the popularity of NAS devices has been growing rapidly. They suggest using traditional file sharing methods between multiple computers. The advantages of networked disk arrays over file servers are faster access to data, simple administration, and simple configuration.
Information security
A secure file server allows you to restrict access to files to special users or groups. In large organizations, this function is assigned to directory services, such as Active Directory in Microsoft OS or eDirectory in Novell OS.
These servers operate in a hierarchical computer environment that treats users, computers, applications and files as different but related network objects, and provides access based on the privileges of users or groups. In most cases, the directory service manages a large number of servers; in large organizations, the number of servers can be several hundred.
Configuring file servers
The servers we are considering can be configured in many ways. For example, when configuring home network settings, the file server automatically allows access to all computers on the local network. When configuring network parameters in the interests of a business company in which security is important, client systems must register to access the server. Other devices provide access only to specific computers by MAC address or IP address.
Internet servers that provide access to files over the Web often require users to register using the FTP file transfer protocol before downloading files.
Features of file exchange between client computer and server
When a file is connected to the server via a local network, it is displayed on the client computer as a hard disk. When you double-click on the icon of the hard disk, its contents will be displayed in the form of a directory with files and folders. To copy a file to the client’s computer, simply drag it with the mouse to the selected location from the server. If the file server has granted write permissions to the client, you can copy files to it in the same way - using the mouse.