Which device acts as a local file server?

A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is specifically designed to function as a file server within a local network. It is a dedicated storage solution that connects to a network, allowing multiple users and devices to access and share files easily. NAS devices often have built-in redundancy features for data protection and can serve various functions such as file sharing, streaming media, and hosting applications.

In contrast, a personal computer, while it can serve files across a network, is not optimized or dedicated for that purpose in a way that a NAS is. A robust switch primarily facilitates network traffic and does not provide storage capabilities. A cloud storage service operates over the internet rather than locally, meaning that it depends on external servers to store files, which is not conducive to the definition of a local file server. Therefore, the NAS device stands out as the most suitable option in this context.