Teaching Guide: Distributed File Systems (DFS)

Step 1: What is a Distributed File System (DFS)?

Definition:
A Distributed File System (DFS) is a system that allows multiple users to access and manage files stored across different
machines as if they were on a single computer.

Why is This Important?

• DFS allows seamless file sharing across different locations.

• Improves reliability and performance by using multiple storage servers.

• Scalability – The system can grow as more users and data are added.

Real-World Examples:

• Google Drive, Dropbox – Store and sync files across devices.

• Network File Systems (NFS, AFS) – Used in corporate networks for file sharing.

Step 2: Core Components of a DFS

Clients – Users accessing files from different locations.

Servers – Store and manage files across multiple machines.
File Service Architecture – Organizes how files are accessed and stored.
Network – Enables communication between clients and servers.

Step 3: DFS vs. Traditional File Systems

Feature Traditional File System Distributed File System (DFS)

Storage Location Local disk or single server Spread across multiple servers

Accessibility Limited to one machine Can be accessed from anywhere

Fault Tolerance No backup in case of failure Data is replicated for reliability

Performance Slower if storage is full Load is balanced across servers

Example:

• In a university network, students can access shared files from different computers without knowing where they are
physically stored.

Step 4: File Service Architecture

How DFS Organizes Files & Access Control

There are three main components of DFS:

1⃣ Client Module

• The interface that requests files from the server.

• Handles user authentication and access control.

2⃣ Directory Service

• Maintains file paths and locations.

• Helps in searching and organizing files efficiently.

3⃣ Flat File Service

• Responsible for storing and retrieving file data.

• Ensures consistency and access control.

Real-World Example:

• When using Google Drive, users see files organized into folders even though they may be stored across multiple
data centers.

Step 5: File Access Models in DFS

DFS supports two major file access models:

1⃣ Remote Access Model

• Clients fetch parts of the file from the server on demand.

• Example: Network File System (NFS) – Files stay on the server, and clients fetch only what they need.

Pros: Reduces data transfer time, improves efficiency.

Cons: Slower when accessing large files frequently.

2⃣ Upload/Download Model

• The entire file is downloaded, modified locally, and uploaded back.

• Example: Coda File System – Supports offline access to files.

Pros: Users can work offline and sync later.

Cons: Risk of conflicts when multiple users edit the same file.

Real-World Example:

• Google Docs uses remote access, while Dropbox uses the upload/download model.

Step 6: Key Requirements of DFS

For a DFS to function effectively, it must meet certain requirements:

1. Transparency

• Access Transparency: Users don’t need to know where files are stored.

• Location Transparency: The file path remains the same, regardless of its physical location.

• Mobility Transparency: Files can move without affecting users.

2. Performance & Scalability

• Must provide consistent performance even as more users join.

• Must handle large-scale data and traffic efficiently.

3. Concurrency Control
 • Multiple users should be able to edit files without conflicts.

• Example: Google Docs allows multiple people to edit at once.

4. Fault Tolerance & Security

• DFS must recover lost data in case of failure.

• Uses encryption and access control to protect files.

Step 7: Consistency & Caching in DFS

What is Consistency?

• Ensures all users see the latest version of a file.

• Prevents conflicts when multiple users modify the same file.

Caching for Performance

• Frequently accessed files are stored locally for faster access.

• Example: Web browsers cache pages to load them quickly.

Advantages:

• Reduces load on servers.

• Speeds up file access.

Challenges:

• Ensuring that cached files stay updated.

• Example: If a user edits a file, cached copies might be outdated.

Solution: Use version control and replication to keep files consistent.

Step 8: Examples of DFS in Action

1⃣ Sun NFS (Network File System)

• One of the earliest DFS implementations.

• Clients access remote files as if they were local.

Pros: Works across different operating systems.

Cons: Security vulnerabilities in older versions.

2⃣ Andrew File System (AFS)

• Designed for large-scale networks (universities, enterprises).

• Uses whole-file caching to reduce server load.

Pros: Efficient for read-heavy workloads.

Cons: Slower for frequent writes.
 Comparison of NFS & AFS:

Feature NFS AFS

Caching File blocks Whole files

Performance Faster for small edits Faster for read-heavy tasks

Scalability Best for small networks Ideal for large organizations

Step 9: Security & Fault Tolerance in DFS

Security Challenges

• Unauthorized access to files.

• Data tampering or corruption.

• Network attacks (e.g., hackers intercepting data).

Security Solutions:

• Encryption – Protects file data.

• Authentication – Ensures only authorized users access files (e.g., Kerberos Authentication).

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) – Define who can read, write, or modify files.

Fault Tolerance in DFS

• Data Replication: Stores multiple copies of files for backup.

• Server Redundancy: If one server fails, another takes over.

Example:

• Google Cloud Storage automatically replicates files across multiple data centers.

Teaching Script for Your Class

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re learning about Distributed File Systems (DFS), the technology behind Google
Drive, Dropbox, and corporate file sharing."

Step 1: Engage with a Question

"Imagine you’re working on a group project, and your files are stored on Google Drive. What happens if one server storing
your files crashes? Will you lose your work?"

Answer: No! DFS ensures files are stored on multiple servers, so you can still access them.

Step 2: Explain DFS with a Simple Analogy

"Think of DFS like an online library where books (files) are stored in multiple locations. No matter where you are, you can
always access the latest version of your book."
Step 3: Explain Benefits & Challenges

Benefits: Faster file access, reliable storage, scalable.

⚠ Challenges: Data consistency issues, security risks, network failures.

Step 4: Wrap Up with a Quiz

Question 1: What is an example of a DFS?

Answer: Google Drive, Dropbox, NFS, AFS.

Question 2: Why is caching important?

Answer: It improves file access speed.

Now You’re Ready to Teach with Confidence!

Use real-world examples, simple explanations, and interactive discussions.

Let me know if you need slides, diagrams, or more activities!