OpenAFS
OpenAFS is a free, open-source implementation of the AFS distributed filesystem.
What OpenAFS is
OpenAFS is a free, open-source implementation of the AFS distributed filesystem. It lets users access network files as if they were local, while location transparency keeps pathnames usable when administrators move files between machines. AFS supports federated sharing and read-only replication between file servers. The client Cache Manager keeps files in disk or memory cache to reduce repeated network requests. Kerberos authentication uses tokens to represent authenticated status, and directory access control lists set permissions for users and groups. Clients and servers mutually authenticate; server processes encrypt particularly sensitive information sent to clients. However, commands in the fs, pts, and vos suites do not encrypt data before transmitting it. OpenAFS is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployment. The project lists release 1.8.16.1 as a June 2026 UNIX/Linux maintenance release, supporting Linux mainline kernels up to 7.1. It is distributed under the IBM Public License, and administrators assign each AFS volume a size limit or quota.
Good
- Keeps file paths stable when files move between machines.
- Supports federated sharing and read-only replication.
- Caches files locally in disk or memory.
- Uses Kerberos authentication and directory access controls.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Watch out
- fs, pts, and vos commands do not encrypt transmitted data.
- Each volume has an administrator-assigned size limit or quota.
- Self-hosted deployment requires administration.
Who it suits
It suits organizations such as companies or university departments that need shared network files across a defined user group. It is intended for administrators able to manage AFS volumes and their quotas.
Verdict
OpenAFS provides location-transparent, replicated file access for organizations managing their own filesystem environment. Its unencrypted administration commands are an important security limitation to consider.
Plans and prices
From OpenAFS's own pricing page, checked 29 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAFS | Free | Open-source distributed filesystem |
The facts
Each one read from OpenAFS's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Access controls
- Directory access control lists specify which users or groups can access files and what permissions they have.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Authentication
- OpenAFS supports Kerberos-based authentication and uses tokens to represent authenticated status.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Caching
- The client Cache Manager stores files in local disk or memory cache to reduce repeated network requests.checked 29 Sep 2026
- 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Federated sharing
- AFS supports federated file sharing and read-only content replication across file servers.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The documentation describes AFS cells as suitable for organizations such as companies, university departments, or other defined groups of users.checked 29 Sep 2026
- License
- The project states that OpenAFS is distributed under the IBM Public License.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Location transparency
- Users can keep using the same pathname when administrators move files between machines.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Security
- AFS clients and servers mutually authenticate, and server processes encrypt particularly sensitive information sent to clients.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Security limitation
- The administration guide says commands in the fs, pts, and vos suites do not encrypt data before transmitting it.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Storage limits
- Each AFS volume has a size limit or quota assigned by the system administrator.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The project wiki points users to mailing lists, an IRC channel, and a page listing individuals and companies offering support or consulting.checked 29 Sep 2026
- What it does
- OpenAFS is an open-source implementation of the AFS distributed filesystem for accessing network files as if they were local.checked 29 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2000checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The project home page lists UNIX, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows among supported systems.checked 29 Sep 2026
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