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Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated file storage device that offers data access over a network, which is an essential characteristic of NFS (Network File System). NFS is a protocol that allows users to access files over a network in a manner similar to local storage. NAS devices operate on the principle of shared networked storage, enabling multiple users and client machines to access and store files centrally. This makes NAS the ideal answer, as it is specifically designed for network protocols such as NFS to facilitate file sharing.

File servers can also provide network storage capabilities, but they might use various protocols (not exclusively NFS) to serve files. External hard drives are typically connected directly to a computer and do not operate over a network in the way NFS requires. Direct Attached Storage (DAS) involves storage devices that are directly connected to a server or workstation without network capabilities, therefore not supporting NFS. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the appropriate application of network storage technologies.