File storage (File Storage) is a technology that saves data in the form of complete files in a hierarchical folder structure, accessible by unique paths. It is particularly suitable for shared file systems, such as NAS environments or classic file servers used in corporate networks.
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What is the File Storage?
Anyone who has already saved a file on their PC, Mac or laptop has already experienced the queue (also called File-Level Storage). The files are recorded as a whole to a given location of the hard drive. There are two determining points here for this method, whether on the family PC or on corporate servers:
- Files: All data is saved in the form of complete files.
- Hierarchy : The files are in a folder structure and are open by a path.
Unlike Block storagewhere the data is separated into blocks, the File Storage keeps the data in the form of complete files. The file is saved as a whole and is reopened in this form. This is not the case with the Object Storage, where the data is stored in the form of objects with metadata in flat structures and where the storage of files is based on a hierarchy.
This hierarchy is structured by a system of nested directories: the files are in files which can themselves be in other folders, and which are usually so. This results in repertoire paths fairly long that the computer system or a server must know. The paths allow access to the files and reopen them. The information associated with files is stored in the form of metadata.
The File-Level Storage are mainly used in two variants, in addition to the mounted hard drives:
- Network attached storage (NAS): An autonomous memory connected to a network and available for all subscribers of the network.
- Direct Attached Storage (DAS): Memory directly attached to a computer in the form of an external hard drive.
Different protocols can also be taken into account for communication between memory and the computer:
Advice
You do not know which storage solution is best suited to your project? Discover the differences between these technologies: in our comparative article between object storage vs block storage, we explain the main characteristics of the two methods. If you hesitate between classic file storage and storage based on objects, the comparison of object storage vs file storage will provide you with practical advice to choose the best storage strategy.
## Advantages and disadvantages of the File Storage
One of the main advantages of file storage is its simplicity, easily understandable by all. IT uses a hierarchical system that works on the same principle as the file classification in its office. In general, a system with the queue is very easy to do evolve. If the capacities must be increased, it is enough to integrate an additional memory into the network (for example in the form of a new NAS server). Several subscribers can also access memory simultaneously and make changes.
A File-Level Storage is certainly in principle very scalable for an advantageous price, but the more the capacity increases, the more the navigation becomes complex. The opening of the different files thus takes more and more time. This problem is partially attenuated today thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and automation, which automatically archive the files little used or to intelligently analyze access statistics.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Advantageous cost | Slow access time |
| Simplicity of use | |
| Easily scalable |
File-based storage in practice
The queue storage in the form of a NAS is used in companies (but partly also in private networks) essentially as Simple file server. If files (structured or unstructured) must be made available for several users, the File Storage is the right solution. Thanks to this intuitive system, all users can easily use memory. This storage method is also ideal for thearchiving files. Since the speed of access to files is not important, they can be stored without long -term problem.
File storage becomes a key element in the scenarios Edge and IoTincreasingly relevant in production environments, with connected sensors or autonomous systems. It is indeed judicious to store the data locally and in a structured manner, in order to minimize latencies while allowing centralized access.
File Storage in the Cloud Environment
File storage architecture is also increasingly used in the cloud, either natively or via Gateways storage. These connect local file systems to cloud storage. In this way, large amounts of files can be relocated without giving up the familiar structure of a hierarchical file system.
In addition, companies are focusing more and more on global and distributed file systems In order to allow teams and employees located in different places to access central files in a common way.
