Freezes, errors when saving files, interruptions in data transfer are common signs that the data storage system is designed incorrectly. If the system cannot cope with the load or the number of users, the entire organization suffers. We will tell you what types of file servers there are, how to choose the right one and what to consider to ensure stable operation of the IT infrastructure.
What is a file server and what is it for?
- Data storage.
Documents, media files, disk images, archives, backups – all of this can be stored centrally, simplifying management and access. - Security.
Centralized storage allows you to configure backups, restrict access rights, monitor activity, and encrypt data. - Collaboration.
This is especially important when multiple users need simultaneous access to the same files.
Depending on the volume of data, the number of users, and the nature of the workload, file servers can vary greatly in architecture, performance, and cost.
What types of file servers are there?
File servers are divided into three types: NAS, DAS and full-fledged servers. Let’s consider each of them separately.
NAS – Network Attached Storage System
NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a compact file server specially optimized for storing and exchanging data in a local network.
NAS is a small case with several compartments for hard drives or SSD drives. The device runs on a lightweight operating system, such as Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, TrueNAS, etc.
- Energy efficiency.
The devices consume minimal power even when operating around the clock. - Easy to install and administer.
Most models do not require knowledge of system administration and are easy to configure. - Support for RAID arrays with hot-swappable disks.
This simplifies server hardware maintenance and increases reliability.
NAS is suitable for home, small business, studios and other tasks where inexpensive and reliable storage with basic fault-tolerance capabilities is important.
However, under high load and with many users working simultaneously, NAS systems are not always efficient. Therefore, they are not suitable for large enterprises and organizations that require high performance.
DAS – Direct Attached Storage
DAS (Direct Attached Storage) is a data storage system that connects to a server, computer, or workstation via SATA, SAS, USB, or Thunderbolt interfaces. Unlike NAS, DAS does not use network protocols to transfer data, but works as a local disk.
DAS looks like a case with hard drives or SSD drives, which can be connected as an external device or built into the server. Most often, DAS is used to increase local storage. This system is suitable for tasks where high performance and minimal latency are important.
- High speed.
The absence of a network protocol and direct connection allow for low latency and high data transfer rates. - Easy to set up.
Connects directly to the device without the need to configure network services and protocols. - RAID support:
Like NAS, DAS typically supports RAID configurations for increased fault tolerance and speed.
However, DAS has a significant drawback: data can only be accessed on the device it is connected to. This complicates scaling and makes it impossible to collaborate on a single project from multiple computers.
Full-fledged server
Such devices are assembled from individual components: a processor, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, and network interfaces. They are configured for specific tasks.
- Flexibility and scalability.
The equipment can be assembled and configured for a wide range of use cases and expanded as the company grows. - Wide hardware capabilities.
Support for RAID controllers, ECC memory and network cards with high data transfer rates – 10G, 25G and higher. - Support for any operating systems.
Any OS is supported: Windows Server, Linux, TrueNAS – everything you need for corporate work. - Integration with virtualization platforms.
VMware, Proxmox and other solutions for creating flexible and efficient virtual infrastructures.
- Large companies and corporate data centers that process large volumes of data and require stable, round-the-clock operation.
- Creative studios where dozens and hundreds of employees work simultaneously on one complex project.
- Solutions related to Big Data and analytics, where high computing resources and fast access to data are required.
- Scientific and engineering computing where accuracy, fault tolerance, and the ability to integrate with virtual machines and containers are important.
- Virtual and cloud infrastructures that allow for efficient resource management and flexible load distribution.
Due to their versatility and expandability, individual servers provide complete control over hardware and software, allowing you to create solutions that fully meet your business needs and security requirements.
How to choose a file server
- Processor.
In most cases, a file server does not need a super-powerful CPU. However, if the server operates under high load (many simultaneous users, on-the-fly encryption, indexing, antivirus, virtualization), then a multi-core processor with a high clock rate, such as AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon Silver, will be necessary. - RAM capacity.
The more users and files, the more RAM is required. In addition, if a caching file system (such as ZFS) is used, RAM plays a key role. For basic tasks, 16-32 GB is usually enough, but with a multi-user load and working with virtual machines, even 128 GB may not be enough. - Type and volume of storage devices.
The server must support RAID arrays to ensure fault tolerance and data backup. It is recommended to use fast SSD storage devices, as they significantly speed up file handling due to high read and write speeds. Hard drives are suitable for archiving and storing backup copies. The volume is selected based on the tasks. - Network interfaces.
Often overlooked, but critically important. For small offices, Gigabit Ethernet is enough, and for large infrastructures and data centers, network cards with a throughput of 10G, 25G and even higher are recommended. The ability to aggregate channels (Link Aggregation) will increase the overall throughput.
- Installed operating system.
- Support for virtualization and containerization.
- Possibilities for upgrading and scaling.
Summary: Why do you need a file server and what types are there?
- A file server provides centralized data storage, making it easier to access, manage, and protect information.
- There are three main types of servers: NAS – for small offices, DAS – for high-speed tasks, full-fledged servers – for corporate purposes.
- The choice of server type depends on the tasks, data volume and number of users, as well as requirements for scalability and access speed.
- Key parameters when choosing equipment: processor, amount of RAM, type and amount of storage, as well as network interfaces.
- It is equally important to consider the software part: the OS used, RAID support, virtualization and future upgrade options.
