Autodesk Vault File Server (VFS)
Vault File Server (VFS) is an optional component of Autodesk Vault that allows distributed design teams to access Vault-managed files more efficiently from remote locations. It extends the Vault Server architecture by caching files closer to remote users—improving download speed and reducing WAN traffic in multi-site environments.
Accelerated Remote Access to Vault Files
VFS acts as a remote cache server, storing frequently accessed files locally at satellite offices. When a remote user downloads a file from Vault, it is served from the local file store rather than the main server—significantly reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
Supports Multi-Site Collaboration
In multi-office environments, Vault File Server ensures consistent access to data across all teams while minimizing performance bottlenecks. It keeps remote locations synced with the central Vault without requiring users to wait for large files to transfer over long distances.
Simple Deployment and Administration
VFS is easy to configure and maintain. Once installed at a remote location, it integrates seamlessly with the Vault infrastructure. File transfers, synchronization policies, and cache purging can be centrally managed by the Vault administrator.
Key Features
- Local caching of Vault-managed design files for remote users
- Improves performance in distributed environments
- Reduces WAN traffic and central server load
- Integrates with Vault Professional and Vault Workgroup
- Admin-controlled file replication and cache settings
- Ideal for global design teams with remote offices or field teams
Who Uses Vault File Server?
Vault File Server is used by IT administrators and CAD managers in organizations with multiple locations or distributed engineering teams. It is essential for companies using Autodesk Vault Professional or Workgroup who need to maintain fast, reliable access to design data across geographic regions.
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Component Definition: The Vault File Server (AVFS) is a specific component used in Vault Professional Multi-Site environments. It allows remote offices to have a local "File Store" to speed up opening large CAD files, while connecting to a central Database Server (ADMS) elsewhere.
Windows Only: Vault File Server is strictly Windows Only.
No SQL Required: Unlike the main Vault Server, the File Server does not run a local SQL instance. It only handles file I/O (Input/Output) and communicates with the main SQL server over the WAN.
🗄️ Windows (Vault File Server 2023–2026)
| Operating System (OS) |
Windows Server 2016 / 2019 / 2022<br>Windows 10 / 11 (Pro/Enterprise)
|
Windows Server 2019 or 2022<br>(Server OS is strongly recommended for handling concurrent connections from multiple users)
|
| Processor (CPU) |
Intel i5 or compatible (2.5 GHz) |
Intel Xeon E-Series or Core i7/i9<br>Speed: 3.0 GHz+<br>(CPU handles data compression and encryption during file transfer)
|
| Memory (RAM) |
8 GB |
16 GB – 32 GB<br>(While AVFS does not run SQL, it requires RAM to cache file requests from the IIS Web Service)
|
| Disk Space |
100 GB (For installation & OS)
|
High-Capacity Storage (RAID 5 / 10)<br>Critical: This server stores the actual CAD files. Space requirements often range from 1 TB to 50 TB+ depending on company history.
|
| Disk Speed |
7200 RPM HDD |
Enterprise SSD / SAS Drives<br>(Fast Disk I/O is the only reason to install a File Server. Do not use slow USB drives.)
|
| Network |
100 Mbps |
Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) or 10GbE<br>(The connection to the local switch must be fast to serve local users)
|
| Framework |
.NET Framework 4.8 |
.NET 8 (For 2025/2026 versions) |
🍏 macOS (Vault File Server)
Autodesk Vault File Server does not run natively on macOS.
| Native Mac App |
❌ Not Supported
|
There is no installer for macOS. |
| Parallels Desktop |
❌ Not Recommended
|
A server infrastructure component should never be run on a client-grade Virtual Machine like Parallels. |
| Mac Client Access |
⚠️ Limited
|
Mac users are "Clients". They do not host the server. Mac users can access files stored on a Windows Vault File Server via the Vault Thin Client (Web Browser) or by running the Vault Client in Parallels.
|
💡 Performance & Architecture Advice
The "Replication" Role:
The Vault File Server is used to solve Latency issues.
Scenario: Your Database is in New York, but you have 10 engineers in London.
Solution: Install a Vault File Server in London. The London engineers open files from the London server (Fast LAN speed) instead of downloading them from New York (Slow WAN speed).
Storage is Key:
Since this machine's primary job is holding files, Disk I/O is the bottleneck.
Use RAID 1 for the OS drive and RAID 5 or 10 for the File Store (Data) drive.
IIS (Internet Information Services):
Vault File Server relies heavily on Microsoft IIS.
Ensure the server is dedicated to Vault. Do not run other heavy web services (like an Exchange Server or internal Intranet) on the same machine, or they will fight for port 80/443 bandwidth.
No SQL Maintenance:
You do not need to install SQL Server on the Vault File Server machine. This reduces the license cost and hardware requirement compared to the main ADMS server.
