What is file storage? An explanation of the classic file system
File storage is a storage technology where data is stored as complete files in a hierarchical folder structure and accessed via unique paths. It is particularly suitable for shared file systems, such as in NAS environments or as a classic file server in a corporate network.
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What is file storage?
Anyone who has ever saved a file on their PC, Mac, or laptop has already encountered file storage (or file-level storage). Files are stored in their entirety at a chosen location on the hard drive. There are two crucial aspects to this method—whether on a home PC or corporate servers:
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Files: All data is stored as complete files.
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Hierarchy: Files reside in a folder structure and are accessed via a path.
Unlike block storage, file storage systems don’t divide files into smaller data blocks. Instead, each file is saved and accessed as a complete unit. In contrast to object storage, where data is organized as flat objects with metadata, file storage relies on a hierarchical structure. This hierarchy is based on a multi-level directory system: files are stored in folders, which may be nested within other folders. As a result, file paths can become quite long — and these directory paths must be known by the system or server to locate and retrieve the file. These paths and related details are stored as metadata to enable navigation and file access.
File-level storage is used, apart from built-in hard drives, primarily in two different variants:
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Network Attached Storage (NAS): An autonomous storage system connected to a network and available to all participants of that network.
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Direct Attached Storage (DAS): Storage directly connected to a computer in the form of an external hard drive.
Different protocols can also be used for communication between storage and computer:
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Server Message Block (SMB) for Windows systems
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Network File System (NFS) for Unix and Linux systems
Advantages and disadvantages of file storage
The biggest advantage of file-based storage is likely that everyone can understand the system. A hierarchical system is known not only from IT, but also from home filing systems, which use this method. In general, it’s also quite easy to scale a system with file storage. If more capacity is needed, simply integrate another storage (e.g., in the form of a new NAS server) into the network. Multiple network participants can also access the storage and make changes simultaneously.
Although file-level storage is generally very scalable and affordable, increased size also makes navigation more complex. This causes the retrieval of individual files to become increasingly slower. Today, this issue is somewhat mitigated by the use of AI and automation, which automatically offload rarely used files or intelligently analyze access statistics.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✓ Low cost | ✗ Slow access times |
| ✓ Easy handling | |
| ✓ Easily scalable |
File-based storage in practice
File storage in the form of a NAS is used in businesses (but sometimes also in home networks) primarily as a simple file server. When structured or unstructured files need to be available to many users, file storage is the right choice. Its intuitive system makes it easy for all users to handle the storage. This storage method is also ideal for archiving files. Since fast access times are not necessary here, files can be stored long-term without any issues.
File storage is becoming increasingly relevant in edge and IoT scenarios. In production environments, with connected sensors or autonomous systems, it makes sense to store data locally and structured to minimize latencies while enabling centralized access.
File storage in the cloud environment
The file storage architecture is also widely used in the cloud — either as a native solution or via storage gateways. These gateways link local file systems to cloud-based storage, allowing businesses to offload large volumes of data without abandoning the familiar structure of a hierarchical file system.
Additionally, many organizations are turning to global and distributed file systems to give teams and employees in different locations shared access to central files — supporting remote collaboration and streamlined workflows.