Quick Answer
The answer is NAS, or Network Attached Storage, because it is a dedicated file-level storage device that connects directly to a network, enabling multiple users to access and share files over standard protocols like SMB/CIFS for Windows or NFS for Linux/Unix. This makes NAS the ideal centralized file sharing solution for a small office, as it provides a single, accessible pool of storage without the complexity or cost of a full server. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of storage types and their use cases, often appearing in scenario-based questions that contrast NAS with DAS (Direct Attached Storage) or SAN (Storage Area Network). A common trap is confusing NAS with DAS, but remember that DAS is directly connected to one computer via USB or eSATA and cannot be shared over the network. For a quick memory tip, think of NAS as "Network-Accessible Storage" — if the keyword is "shared over the network," the answer is always NAS.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small office needs a centralized storage solution that all employees can access over the network to share files. Which type of storage should they implement?
NAS
Network-Attached Storage provides file-level access over a network, ideal for small offices.
JBOD
Why wrong: Just a Bunch Of Disks is a collection of drives without built-in networking.
SAN
Why wrong: Storage Area Network requires specialized infrastructure and is typically used in data centers.
DAS
Why wrong: Direct-Attached Storage is only accessible from the computer it is connected to.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NAS
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated file-level storage device connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and share files over standard protocols like SMB/CIFS (Windows) or NFS (Linux/Unix). This makes it the ideal centralized solution for a small office needing shared network file access without requiring a dedicated server.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
NAS
Why this is correct
Network-Attached Storage provides file-level access over a network, ideal for small offices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
JBOD
Why it's wrong here
Just a Bunch Of Disks is a collection of drives without built-in networking.
SAN
Why it's wrong here
Storage Area Network requires specialized infrastructure and is typically used in data centers.
DAS
Why it's wrong here
Direct-Attached Storage is only accessible from the computer it is connected to.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse NAS with SAN, thinking both are network storage, but SAN requires a dedicated network and provides block-level access (like a virtual hard drive), whereas NAS provides file-level access over the existing LAN, making NAS the simpler and more cost-effective choice for file sharing.
Detailed technical explanation
NAS devices often run a lightweight operating system that handles file-sharing protocols, RAID configurations, and user permissions. Under the hood, a NAS can use protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) for Windows environments or NFS (Network File System) for Unix/Linux, and may also support AFP for legacy Mac systems. In a real-world scenario, a small office might deploy a Synology or QNAP NAS with RAID 1 for redundancy, allowing employees to map network drives and collaborate on documents without a full server infrastructure.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: NAS — A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated file-level storage device connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and share files over standard protocols like SMB/CIFS (Windows) or NFS (Linux/Unix). This makes it the ideal centralized solution for a small office needing shared network file access without requiring a dedicated server.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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