There may be hardly any choice on your home PC, but there are different storage methods for large storage volumes – for companies, for example. In addition to the newer models like block storage and object storage, the classic file storage also has its justification for use and is still used in many scenarios. Why is file-based storage still considered modern enough and so widely used today?
If you have ever saved a file on your PC, Mac or laptop, you have already experienced file storage (or file-level storage). Files are stored as a whole in a selected location on the hard disk. There are two points that make this method appealing – whether on your home PC or on corporate servers:
In contrast to block storage, a system with file storage does not take the data of a file apart. The file is stored as a whole and called up again in this form. The hierarchy results from the multi-level directory system: Files are stored in folders, which in turn can be located in other folders – and usually are. This sometimes results in long directory paths that must be known to the computer system or a server. These paths are used for navigation, so that the files can be accessed again. The information is stored in the form of metadata.
File-level storage, other than that on built-in hard disks, is mainly used in two different variants:
Different protocols can also be used for communication between the storage and computer:
The biggest advantage of file-based storage is probably that anyone can understand the system. A hierarchical system is familiar not just from IT but in principle this method is also used in domestic file folders. In general, it is also quite easy to scale a system with file storage. If more capacity is needed, it is simple to add another storage device (e.g. a new NAS server) to the network. Multiple network users can also access the memory and make changes at the same time.
File-level storage is in principle very scalable and also inexpensive, but navigation also becomes more complex with increasing size. This makes the process of opening individual files increasingly slower.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low price | Slow access times |
| Easy to use | |
| Easily scalable |
File storage in the form of a NAS is used in companies (but also in some home networks) primarily as a simple file server. File storage is the right choice if you want to provide (structured or unstructured) files for many users. Thanks to the intuitive system, all users have equal access to the memory. This storage method is also ideal for archiving files. Since there is no need for fast access times anyway, files can be stored for a long time without any problems.
Are you using a NAS system as a home server and want to connect it to the internet? It’s simple to do. We explain how to assign a fixed LAN IP address to your network storage and open the corresponding ports for the desired service in the router firewall. You will also learn how to make your NAS system permanently available under a consistent address despite daily disconnections carried out by the...
A central program on every operating system is the file manager. Whether on Windows, Linux, or macOS – in order to perform file and directory operations conveniently and efficiently, you should rely on a file manager that meets all your requirements. The pre-installed programs like Windows Explorer, Apple’s Finder, or Nautilus on Ubuntu, on the other hand, come with a greatly reduced range of...
Storing files online on a cloud platform has become part of everyday life for many people. Storing files with online storage providers takes the load off your hard drive and ensures that they are available anytime and from anywhere. But what are the best cloud storage providers on the market? And what differences are there between them? Which one would be best for me?
Data storage is an important topic across many different companies. Whether it’s project files, user data or other documents – without a suitable, easy-to-administer storage solution, data management can quickly go off the rails. Within this context, software-defined storage solutions are becoming ever more popular. This involves the use a central storage based on a software-controlled hardware...
Data management is an important topic among corporate executives because few companies can do without digital data processing. Invoices are written on PCs, and sales taxes are reported online. This, in turn, results in increased obligations arising from data protection legislation. Good data management can also improve the effectiveness of business processes.
Provide powerful and reliable service to your clients with a web hosting package from IONOS.
View packages
