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The AFS File System What is AFS?AFS is an enterprise file system designed for use in a distributed environment on multiple computing platforms. AFS allows users on various types of computers to access the same file system. To a casual UNIX user, AFS disk space looks like a regular local disk; to Windows and Mac OS X users, it looks like a normal network drive. So with a single namespace and Kerberos authentication, AFS allows a user to log into any machine participating in the DCI and be presented their files and/or applications. How does AFS work?Like any network application, AFS has two components, a client and a server. The client component resides on each machine that wants to use AFS. This client asks the server for files stored in AFS and the server sends the file to the client over the network. The client then presents the file to the user as if it were local to the machine. When the user makes any changes in AFS space, such as creating a new file, saving a file or deleting files, the client sends the information to the server where updates occur. AFS speeds this process up by using disk caching. The AFS client keeps pieces of commonly used files on local disk. When the user asks the AFS client for a file, it checks to see if that file is in the local disk cache. If it is, the client then asks the server if the file it has in disk cache is up-to-date. If the server reports that the file is up to date, the client is able to present the client with the file that is stored in the local disk cache rather than transferring the file from the server. Why Use AFS?AFS file space is
available from any AFS client installed on any supported platform. AFS
provides the flexibility of having the same file structure and content
available from any supported client, whether that client is Windows XP/2000/NT
or a variety of UNIX clients.
Additionally, AFS file
space is managed centrally by ATN, freeing departments from having to buy and
maintain departmental file servers.
It also provides end users with the ability to store data in a secure
and reliable location.
AFS at UNCATN maintains an AFS cell, isis.unc.edu, which houses departmental and personal directories as well as shared applications. To be able to see this AFS space, you will need to use a machine that has an AFS client installed on it. If you would like to install an AFS client and your machine is supported, you can follow these instructions: |
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Maintained by: dci@unc.edu |
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