This tool gives an AFS 3 client access to data stored on both AFS 3 and DFS file servers. Modified AFS 3 command suites assist in reconciling any differences between the two file systems. Individual workstations need IP networking enabled to get required UDP functionality. For normal use, a minimum 56k baud channel is recommended. AFS also supports slower lines, with file transfer speeds constrained by the speed of the line.
Additional storage depends upon server use.
For clients, at least 20 megabytes of disk storage is recommended, most of which is used for AFS caching. For diskless clients, AFS sets up an in-memory cache. A minimum of one file server is required. To benefit from AFS replication, at least two AFS servers are required. Three file servers are considered even better because of the way AFS synchronizes the replicated databases.