A file area network (FAN) is a system that allows easy access to data across multiple devices and systems, regardless of physical location. It can be achieved through software or specialized hardware, making all files on a system accessible without needing to know specific devices or architecture. FAN solves problems in large organizations with varied data by creating a layer of abstraction between physical devices and locations, standardizing access across the network. It can be installed as a software or hardware solution and enables organizations to perform tasks without disruption to services.
“File area network” (FAN) is a relatively generic term that describes a system installed within a computer network to make it easier for users and administrators to access data across multiple devices and systems, regardless of physical location, by hardware or other mitigating factors. This can be achieved through the use of several layers of software that operate on top of existing systems or through the use of specialized hardware that integrates the software to provide additional functionality. From the user’s perspective, a file area network makes all files on a given system accessible without needing to know specific devices, filesystems, or the underlying architecture. Administrators using a file area network approach are able to perform functions such as backups, updates, maintenance and file migration without disruption to user access and can add new features seamlessly.
One of the problems that a file area network is designed to solve occurs in large organizations that have a large and varied collection of data, sometimes across multiple networks or stored on multiple devices. Some basic administration and networking systems, such as a storage area network (SAN), can be used to make this information accessible to some degree, but may also require components such as a database management system which may not be scalable or applicable to all devices. Another technique that can be used could involve moving all data to central servers for managed access, although this may require hardware upgrades and a central geographic location.
By developing a file area network, a layer of abstraction is created between the physical devices and locations where files are stored and both administrative and end-user software used to access the files. This means that instead of having to constantly maintain a single data storage bank or using messy methods to merge existing file networks as it grows, a single file network can be used to bring all the disparate elements together. This has the added benefit of being mostly transparent to an end user and also provides mechanisms so that access is standardized across the network.
In some cases, a file area network can be installed as a purely software solution where a single program bridges the gap between storage devices. Alternatively, the network can use custom hardware that helps virtualize the filesystem and handle the traffic that is attempting to modify the data. Once in place, an effective file area network can enable an organization to perform tasks such as upgrades and maintenance without long-term disruption to services.
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