Implementing Network File Sharing : 3 Types of File Sharing

Introduction:

File sharing can be a very efficient and convenient way of collaboration between business or family shared files, or public shared files where anyone can access the files.

I used several types of file sharing methods, some of them were for personal usage, and others were for company purposes. Either way, it has a lot of benefits for each use case.

What is Network File Sharing?

Network file sharing is any method that provides access to file and file systems to several devices and users over a network. with a controlled access and permissions to insure security of files.

Although, every type of File Sharing provides different features and controls. Almost all of them have some type of access control.

Why Would You Need File Sharing for Your network?

File sharing can be useful for collaboration between teams, also can provide mobility and easy access for your files anywhere or from any device.

It’s always better to keep all the files needed for a team in one location instead of having a copy for each file on each device.

Also it would be great if you can have access to your work files or worksheets from anywhere.

What are the types of Network File Sharing?

1) Peer-To-Peer File sharing:

This technique enables several devices on the same network to share files between each other using the same software without having a central server.

Examples of P2P file sharing:

– Windows Built-in file sharing: 

uses SMB ( Server Message Block )  protocol to share files and printers from any windows computer to others on a network.

– Resilio Sync: 

allows mobile devices, laptops and other storage devices to share and sync files.

2) Centralized Network File Sharing:

This technique depends on a central server that stores files and folders and shares them through multiple protocols to support multiple operating systems. It follows Client-Server architecture, where the Files are stored in a server and accessed by clients over a Network.

Examples of Centralized File Sharing:

– Network Attached Storage ( NAS ):

NAS devices are popular way to establish a centralized file sharing. Qnap NAS and Synology NAS are examples of NAS devices. that can support multiple Protocols to share files over a Network ( like SMB for Windows Devices and NFS for Linux )

– Windows Server Files Sharing:

Using Windows Server as a Central storage is a common way to implement Client-Server architecture, by leveraging SMB protocol to share folders and manage permissions of users.

– File Transfer Protocol Servers (FTP):

File transfer protocol is a protocol that enables download and upload file to a Central server ( FTP ) Server using FTP clients on the devices ( laptop, Mobile, etc…)

– Samba Software Suite:

Samba is an open source software for linux operating system. It enables Linux os share file with Windows os. Using SMB and CIFS ( common internet File System ) protocols that are supported by Windows os

– NetApp ONTAP:

It’s a centralized Storage and Data Management Solution, it provides a central management for Data ( Backup, Access Management, and Protection ). Also supports multiple protocols ( SMB/CIFS, NFS and iSCSI ) to cover most of the operating systems of the clients.

* For more information check out this article

3) Cloud-Based File Sharing:

Sharing files using cloud services over the internet. This method needs internet access to be able to share files through online platforms provided by several companies.

Examples of Cloud-Based File Sharing:

– Online Storage Solutions:

Like Google Drive and Microsoft Onedrive

– Cloud Storage Services:

AWS EFS, Azure Netapp Files, Google Filestore

– Online Collaboration Platforms:

Microsoft Sharepoint, Dropbox Business, Zoho Workdrive

Conclusion:

These three types of file sharing techniques cover most of the ways for file sharing available, however, in business, having multiple file sharing technologies is not unpopular. So you can always pick what’s best for you and your team. depending on your budget, size of the team and what other technologies you are using.