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distributed file system (DFS)

Distributed file systems belong to the network file systems and allow access to files stored in file servers. They allow the administrator to build a single file system that spans the network. Such a file system can contain the different shares for each server.

Overview of distributed file systems

Distributed file systems support mirroring, replication and backup of data and files to hard disks and tape drives. In addition, useraccess rights to specific directories can be assigned in a dedicated manner. This allows the respective user to edit his files, delete them or save changes.

There are various distributed file systems, which differ in the application, by the interface and the protocol, as well as by various functionalities such as caching, journaling, multipathing and the use in local networks. Among the better known distributed file systems are the Distributed File System( DFS), Andrew File System( AFS) and the Network File System( NFS). Furthermore, the Server Message Block( SMB) and the further development of the Common Internet File System( CIFS) and the Direct Access File System( DAFS) should be mentioned.

Since the data throughput of distributed file systems for clusters is extremely low, there are special cluster file systems with transfer rates of over 100 MB/s for these applications. These include the Global File System (GFS) and the proprietary General Parallel File System (GPFS).

The Distributed File System (DFS)

The Distributed File System (DFS) is hierarchically structured and has a uniform, logical naming convention. It is a network protocol through which users can access files without knowing the location of the server. The central tree structure thus makes it easier to search for files throughout the company. These are stored redundantly and are fully available even if a primary hard disk fails.

Informations:
Englisch: distributed file system - DFS
Updated at: 04.05.2018
#Words: 291
Links: file, network, administrator, file system (FS), server
Translations: DE
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