Part of the Network hardware glossary:

A network drive is a storage device on a local access network (LAN) within a business or home. Within a business, the network drive is usually located on a server or a network-attached storage (NAS) device. In a home, the network drive may be located on a dedicated server, a NAS device, an external hard drive or one of the networked computers. If the drive is on one of the networked computers, however, other users will not be able to access the drive when that computer is turned off. 

Next Steps

A network drive on a home LAN makes it easier to share files and store files without using up computer resources. If the drive has enough capacity, it can also be used to back up all the computers on the network. 

 

This was last updated in October 2012
Contributor(s): Ivy Wigmore
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • fat client (thick client)

    - A fat client (sometimes called a thick client) is a networked computer with most resources installed locally, rather than distributed over a network as is the case with a thin client. (SearchCIO-Midmarket.com)

  • file server

    - In the client/server model, a file server is a computer responsible for the central storage and management of data files so that other computers on the same network can access the files. (SearchNetworking.com)

  • storage snapshot

    - A storage snapshot is a set of reference markers, or pointers, to data stored on a disk drive, on a tape, or in a storage area network (SAN). (SearchStorage.com)

Glossaries

  • Network hardware

    - Terms related to network hardware, including definitions about cables or file servers and words and phrases about routers and switches.

  • Networking and communications

    - Terms related to networking and communications, including definitions about network protocols and words and phrases about data transmission.

  • Local area networks (LANs)

    - Terms related to local area networks (LANs), including definitions about Ethernet and words and phrases about devices that share a common communications line or link.

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