Which type of storage is also referred to as network attached storage?

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is correctly identified as file storage. This type of storage is specifically designed to provide file-level data storage services to clients on a network. It allows multiple users and heterogeneous clients to access and share files over a network, making it an ideal solution for environments where collaboration and file sharing are essential.

NAS operates on standard networking protocols, such as TCP/IP, which enables all users on the network to access the stored data easily. It presents a more straightforward interface for users who need to share files rather than dealing with the complexities of the storage itself, which is typically abstracted away.

This contrasts with direct attached storage (DAS), which connects directly to a single computer; block storage, which divides data into blocks for greater performance and is used in SAN (Storage Area Network); and object storage, which manages data as objects for unstructured data management over large scales. By understanding the specifics of file storage and its role as NAS, users can better appreciate the collaborative advantages it offers in networked environments.