Distributed file system

Disclosed is a distributed file system using the token method to allow file sharing by multiple clients (nodes) for improved system throughput. A storage device for holding files, and a server for managing tokens, and multiple clients for reading and writing the files in the storage device are connected over a network. On the distributed file system by which the client requests files by tokens, the server contains a token request means for requesting the return of tokens from the client holding the file. This token return request means sends a token return request means containing information on the client requesting the files by tokens and information showing the contents of the token.