1. A method for file block placement in a distributed file system network that includes a plurality of data storage nodes, the method comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of file block placement options for a file block, each block placement option being associated with at least one of the data storage nodes, the file block placement options being based on a set of network parameters associated with the distributed file system network; determining a cost valuation parameter associated with each of the plurality of file block placement options; and selecting one of the plurality of file block placement options based at least in part on the cost valuation parameter associated with each file block placement option.