File Server in Computer Network

A network server helps to store all central data files, and other connected network users are capable to access them. This stored all data on the server eliminates all replication of all files over individual computers. So, it needs less disk storage space them. This server plays major role in network servers and other networ OS like as Windows NT, Novell Netware, UNIX, etc.

Advanced file servers contain the enlarge power supplies, various racks for installation of multiple hard disks, and advance cooling systems. It likes as Multiprocessor machines, and configured along with more memory unit compare to single user computer system.

We can set up any computer as host that plays role as a file server. Hence, file server may be a simple computer system that has abilities to send and retrieve all requests over the computer network.

File server acts as dedicated system like as network attached storage (NAS) devices. This dedicated server is commonly going to implement in enterprise applications. Because, they offer fastest data access as well as offer higher storage capacity compare to non dedicated server.

All file servers have different goal like as share information, backup, remote storage, and more. There are three models, such as

• When file server consists file structure, and assign few or whole records along with unique key. So, it can perform several operations like as read, write, extend, remove, join, and more.
• If, file server does not contain internal structure of their files, then this server is not capable to resolve complicated operations, but only to perform read and write tasks.
• When file server contains all file like as hierarchy form, it means tree shape. This is most common model, and it has internal structure of files as well as allowing solve complex operations.

Types of File Server

File server has two categories like as Dedicated and Non-Dedicated file server. Dedicated server works as the File server, along with their workstation attached for reading or writing files as well as database. Non-dedicated server acts as multipurpose like as file server and database server.

Other Types of File Server are:

XS: This is Input only/Caching server, and going to use in simple CHAIN operations only for input.

XF:  This is Input/output Server. Hence, it has ability to perform various functions like as READ, CHAIN, and SETLL to a file.

X: This is Special Scrub & Edit Server, and they can accept cost center, account numbers, numeric fields, or a data string in any valid data entry or file format, convert them to any format, validate the existence of the master record, and optionally pass the master record or the scrubbed data back to the calling program.

File server mostly uses two methods for getting access of data, such as Internet file server and LAN file server. Internet file server is accessed by FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and LAN file server is accessed by SMB/CIFS protocol.

Some Windows File Servers are:

• Windows File Server
• Windows Fail over cluster
• Windows Server Cluster

File Server Example 

File server has mostly adoption in various areas, for examples small scale organizations, schools, and home network as well. We can configure of file server with several methods; for example all computers can be accessed over the “Local Area Network” while automatically setting of file server.

In the other way, like as business setting but here data security is main concern, so file server allows to all client machines to log in before getting to access the server. In other method, to need only grant access for specific list of computer system, which are defined as IP address or MAC address.

Other Examples of File Server

There are some examples of file server; where are going to use file server to fulfil main objectives, including:

Cloud-Based Services: Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox are popular choices for file storage, editing, and access. They offer simple functionality, automatic syncing, and secure file storage.

Dedicated File Servers: These servers offer a secure and efficient environment for storing and managing files.

Non-Dedicated File Servers: These servers act as workstations and for daily tasks, but they are less secure than dedicated file servers. They are suitable for small businesses and home networks.

Internet File Servers: They often provide dynamic web content in addition to static files. So, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) easily frequently accessed them.

Database Servers: These servers provide access to a shared database via a database device driver. But, they are not similar as file servers in the traditional sense. They allow to store files in a structured format, instead of general-purpose file sharing.

File Server Architecture

File server architecture represents to the network architecture; whereas the file server performs as a central repository for keeping and managing files that helping out to provide an easy way to share files in between users and computers over the network. There are different types of file server architectures, including:

Directory Module: This module establishes relationships between file names and their corresponding file IDs.

File Module: This module relates file IDs to specific files.

Access Control Module: This module validates the requested operation and controls access to files.

File Access Module: This module handles the reading and writing of file data or attributes.

Block Module: This module accesses and allocates disk blocks.

Device Module: This module manages the communication between the file server and the storage devices.

How Does File Server Work?

Here, we will show you general overview of how a file server works:

• It is a central storage repository or workspace that enables multiple users to access files and folders.

• File servers have limitation to a single local area network (LAN).

• They store and manage data files, making them accessible to other computers on the same network.

• Users access files through a set of protocols, such as Network File System (NFS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).

• File servers are able to work as dedicated or non-dedicated. Dedicated servers provide the services solely to other computers, and non-dedicated servers offering services to multiple networks.

• They are going to use for several objectives like as backup, collaboration and storage for line-of-business applications.

File Server Protocols

Here are some of the main file server protocols:

Server Message Block (SMB)

Purpose: Developed by Microsoft; SMB is the primary protocol that is going to use for file and printer sharing in Windows networks.

Versions: SMB has undergone several versions; with SMBv3 being one of the latest and commonly used in modern Windows environments.

Authentication: Supports user authentication to control access to shared resources.

Network File System (NFS)

Purpose: NFS is a distributed file system protocol. It is commonly using in Unix and Linux environments.

Versions: NFS has had several versions, with NFSv4 being a widely adopted version that includes features like strong authentication and improved security.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Purpose: FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server on a computer network.

Modes: FTP supports two modes: active mode (the client initiates the data connection) and passive mode (the server initiates the data connection).

Secure File Transfer Protocols

FTPS (FTP Secure): An extension of FTP that adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols.

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): Operates over an encrypted channel, typically provided by the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It provides file transfer capabilities and remote file system access.

Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV)

Purpose: WebDAV extends the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to enable collaborative editing and management of files on web servers.

Features: Allows users to edit and manage files on a remote server, supporting operations like file locking, versioning, and metadata.

Apple Filing Protocol (AFP)

Purpose: Developed by Apple, AFP is used for file sharing on Mac OS networks.

Features: Supports features specific to Mac environments, including resource forks and metadata.

File Server Security Measures

File server security measures include:

Access Management: Implement robust access controls to manage who can access, modify, and delete files, folders, and shares on the file server.

Encryption: Use encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit. This ensures that even if the data is compromised, it cannot be accessed without the encryption key.

Regular Backups: Perform regular backups of the file server to ensure that data can be restored in the event of a security breach or data loss.

File Upload Security: When allowing file uploads, implement measures such as validating file types, changing filenames, setting size limits, and storing files on a different server to prevent malicious file uploads.

Network Segmentation: Segment the network to isolate the file server from other systems, reducing the impact of a security breach.

Monitoring and Logging: Implement monitoring and logging to track file access and changes, enabling the detection of unauthorized activities.

Patch Management: Keep the file server and associated software up to date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.

Functions of File Server

There are main functions of a file server, as following them:

Allowing Multiple Users to Access Stored Files: File servers allow users to access, read, change, and delete files and folders on a central storage space.

Freeing up Storage Space for Clients: By storing files on a central server, clients can save storage space on their local devices.

File Sharing: File servers provide a central storage place for files on internal data media, which is accessible to all authorized clients.

Authorization & Permission Management: Server administrators define strict rules regarding which users have access to specific files and folders, including whether they can only view or also add, edit, or delete the data.

File Locking: This feature prevents multiple users from editing the same file at the same time, ensuring data consistency and avoiding conflicts.

Compatibility with Several Protocols: File servers can use protocols like FTP, SFTP, SMB, and NFS to enable access to files over different networks.

File Server Benefits & Features

The benefits and features of using a file server include:

Easy Organization of Entire File Inventory: A file server provides a central storage place for files on internal data media, which is accessible to all authorized clients, making it easy to organize the entire file inventory.

Convenient File Sharing: File servers allow users to access, read, change, and delete files and folders on a central storage space, providing a convenient way to share files.

Collaboration without Version Conflicts: File locking prevents multiple users from editing the same file at the same time, ensuring data consistency and avoiding conflicts.

Relief of Client Computers: By storing files on a central server, clients can save storage space on their local devices, and the file server can handle the processing and accessing of files more quickly.

Remote Access: File servers can be accessed remotely via WebDAV, (S) FTP, or SCP, making it easy to access files from anywhere.

Data Protection & Security: File servers allow for strict rules regarding which users have access to specific files and folders, ensuring data protection and security.

Advantages of File Server

There are few benefits of file server; such as –

• Less maintenance of your system

• Easy to get data backup, and highly secure

• Easy to data recovery.

• Easy to handle all files centrally.

• It does not need change of application programs while changing of physical file

• Use of versions in future releases to allow programs from a previous release to run against a changed database.

• Easy to transition from old database to new database.

• It helps to decrease the storage space pressure of client system.

• Using one file server at once without changing of your entire system.

• File server allows to access remotely by using of WebDAV and SCP.

Disadvantages of File Server

There are limitations of file server; like as –

• If small companies use it, where two or three employees work; then it may be costly.

• Require well qualifies IT person to set up and administer.

• Increase network bandwidth while reading and writing files to and from the file server by all clients.

• If file server gets halt then all files get lost until it can recover from backup.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do you mean by file server?

File server is a super performing computer system that has responsible for storing and fetching all types of files (audio file, images, video, database, and other documents).

What is file server used for?

File server is a computer that has responsibility to get storage and management of data files then other PCs on the same computer network can access those files. It allows users to share all information over the N/W without using any physical transfer files.

Why file server is needed?

File server offers a centralized location to keep store all your files then many users are eligible to work along with the same documents, spread sheets and other data. File server also lets a business to get back up just single PC to be ensured their data is secure.

What are the different types of file server?

File server has two categories like as Dedicated and Non-Dedicated file server. Dedicated server only works as the File server, along with their workstation attached for reading or writing files as well as database. Non-dedicated server usually acts as multipurpose like as file server and database server.

What is file server example?

File server is most helpful in several areas, like as small scale organizations, schools, and home network as well. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a file server?

Through this post, we already have explained about advantages and disadvantages of a file server; you can read them.

What are the features of file servers?

A file server has many features like as:

• Simple, secure sharing of business data
• Remote security and administration
• Reliability from trace-ability
• End to end remote security

What is the main purpose of a file server?

The main objective of the file server is to keep storing and managing data files so that other computers on the same network can access the files. It works as a central storage repository that allows users to share information over a network without having to physically transfer files.

Final Remarks

Now, make ensure that you have fully educated about what is file server and its example, types; and involving with their advantages and disadvantages of file server with ease. If this article is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: What is Server: Definition, Types, Examples, Functions, and Uses!!

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!