OpenAFS
openafs.org
What it is
OpenAFS is a free, open-source implementation of the AFS distributed filesystem for accessing network files as though they were local. Location transparency lets users keep the same pathname when administrators move files between machines. AFS supports federated sharing and read-only replication across file servers, while the client Cache Manager keeps files in disk or memory cache to reduce repeated network requests. Kerberos authentication uses tokens for authenticated status, and directory access control lists define user and group permissions. Clients and servers mutually authenticate, with server processes encrypting particularly sensitive information sent to clients. However, commands in the fs, pts, and vos suites do not encrypt data before transmission. OpenAFS supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployment, with AFS access plus NFS and SMB/CIFS options listed. The project lists version 1.8.16.1 as a June 2026 UNIX/Linux maintenance release and distributes it under the IBM Public License. Administrators assign each AFS volume a size limit or quota.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- OpenAFS is an open-source implementation of the AFS distributed filesystem for accessing network files as if they were local.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openafs.org
- Intended users
- The documentation describes AFS cells as suitable for organizations such as companies, university departments, or other defined groups of users.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Platforms
- The project home page lists UNIX, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows among supported systems.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openafs.org
- Security
- AFS clients and servers mutually authenticate, and server processes encrypt particularly sensitive information sent to clients.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Support
- The project wiki points users to mailing lists, an IRC channel, and a page listing individuals and companies offering support or consulting.Read 29 Sep 2026 · wiki.openafs.org
- License
- The project states that OpenAFS is distributed under the IBM Public License.Read 29 Sep 2026 · wiki.openafs.org
- Founded
- 2000Read 28 Sep 2026 · openafs.org
- Access controls
- Directory access control lists specify which users or groups can access files and what permissions they have.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Authentication
- OpenAFS supports Kerberos-based authentication and uses tokens to represent authenticated status.Read 29 Sep 2026 · wiki.openafs.org
- Caching
- The client Cache Manager stores files in local disk or memory cache to reduce repeated network requests.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Current release
- The home page lists OpenAFS 1.8.16.1 as a June 2026 maintenance release for UNIX/Linux, with support for Linux mainline kernels up to 7.1.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openafs.org
- Federated sharing
- AFS supports federated file sharing and read-only content replication across file servers.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openafs.org
- Location transparency
- Users can keep using the same pathname when administrators move files between machines.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Security limitation
- The administration guide says commands in the fs, pts, and vos suites do not encrypt data before transmitting it.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
- Storage limits
- Each AFS volume has a size limit or quota assigned by the system administrator.Read 29 Sep 2026 · docs.openafs.org
Plans and prices
OpenAFS Free Open-source distributed filesystem Read 29 Sep 2026 · wiki.openafs.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Network files appear through stable local-style paths
- Supports federated sharing and read-only replication
- Uses Kerberos authentication and access-control lists
- Available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosting
- Caches files locally to reduce repeated requests
Limits
- fs, pts, and vos commands do not encrypt transmission
- Each volume has an administrator-assigned quota
- Requires administration of AFS infrastructure
Who it suits
OpenAFS suits defined groups such as companies or university departments that need shared, replicated network files. It is intended for organizations able to administer self-hosted filesystem infrastructure.
Verdict
OpenAFS provides location-transparent, federated file access with caching, Kerberos, and granular directory permissions. Administrators should account for volume quotas and the unencrypted command suites when planning deployment.
Where Specifiction places it
- Distributed File System Software#15 of 327.7
