File Server Monitoring with PRTG

A file server is a computer that stores the file system and all the relevant files of an IT infrastructure or company. This centralized storage allows employees to access files from a variety of different devices. It also allows teams to work on files simultaneously. Access rights are controlled by way of file permissions or directly via the server. In addition to a local network, file servers can also be connected to the internet, where companies may provide data, drivers, applications, and software updates for customers to download.

File server monitoring is the process of tracking and overseeing the performance, security, and accessibility of file servers in a network. A file server is a computer responsible for storing and managing files shared among users or systems on a network. Monitoring a file server ensures that the server operates efficiently, remains secure, and provides reliable access to stored data. This includes:

• Resource usage: Keeping track of CPU, memory, and disk utilization on the file server. High resource usage can indicate a need for optimization or additional capacity.
• Network traffic: Monitoring the bandwidth and data transfer rates to ensure efficient communication between the server and connected devices.
• File access times: Tracks how long it takes to read or write files, helping detect potential bottlenecks.
• Access event control: Monitoring user behavior, for example, who accesses which files and when, helping to detect unauthorized access, permission changes, or unusual patterns.
• File integrity monitoring: Checking files for unauthorized changes, ensuring they haven't been altered, corrupted, or deleted by malicious actors.
• Audit trail: Records activities related to file access, modifications, and system-level changes for security audits.
• Storage utilization: Tracks the amount of available and used storage on the file server, alerting administrators when space is running low.
• Backups: Ensuring regular backups are being performed successfully and monitors the integrity of backup data to facilitate disaster recovery if needed.

In today’s world, digital files are required for nearly every business process. Companies have much to gain by using a centralized server to manage their files. A file server allows all employees to work with the same files. This makes access rights and teamwork simpler, more transparent, and easier to manage. In addition, file servers facilitate backups and make it possible to do away with duplicates and outdated versions of files. At larger companies with complex access rights, servers are vital for ensuring work processes remain efficient.

In short, the file server is the “heart” of a corporate network and should therefore be monitored accordingly. Above all, you'll want to keep a constant eye on important system files so you can immediately see if changes (desired or undesired) take place there. And if your file server is connected to the internet, you’ll need to set up permanent and effective monitoring to eliminate security flaws and prevent external attacks.

The key difference between a file server and an FTP server lies in their functionality and the way they handle file sharing:

File server

A file server is a system designed to store, manage, and share files across a network (typically a local area network or LAN). It allows users to access, modify, and share files as if they were on their own computer. Users typically access a file server via a file-sharing protocol like SMB (Server Message Block) on Windows or NFS (Network File System) on Unix/Linux systems. It often integrates with the operating system, allowing for seamless access to files and directories. File servers are commonly used in office networks or organizations where multiple users need access to shared resources like documents, spreadsheets, or databases.

FTP server (File Transfer Protocol server)

An FTP server is specifically designed for transferring files between systems over a network, including the internet. Its main function is to facilitate uploading and downloading files rather than continuous shared access. Access to an FTP server is done via the FTP protocol (or its secure variant, FTPS or SFTP) using FTP clients, web browsers, or command-line tools. It typically requires login credentials, although anonymous access can be enabled. FTP servers are often used to transfer large files over long distances, for website management, or to share files over the internet between different systems or users.

In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, for example the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, or the free space on a disk drive. On average, you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.