Distributed file system permitting each user to enhance cache hit ratio

Abstract

A distributed file system in which the cache hit ratio of a client is enhanced to speed up a file access for each of users logging into the client. A file server includes an access frequency database in which the names of users are listed in association with the names of files that are frequently accessed by the individual users. Each client includes a log-in user table for entering the name of a user who is logging in, and a cache priority control module. The cache priority control module sets priority levels for the copies of the files stored in a cache area, on the basis of the contents of the access frequency database and the log-in user table. The set priority levels function as criteria when any of the file copies is to be expelled from the cache area. Owing to this construction, the copies of the files of high usage frequencies are preferentially kept in the cache area of the client for each user logging into this client, whereby the cache hit ratio can be enhanced to speed up the file access.