Abstract: A method of allocating data to a storage block included in a storage network may include determining a plurality of characteristics associated with a storage block included in a storage network. The plurality of characteristics may include storage capacity of the storage block, available storage space of the storage block, likelihood of loss of data stored on the storage block, availability of the storage block with respect to the storage network, and use of the storage block. The method may further include allocating data to the storage block based on the plurality of characteristics.

Abstract: A method of distributing data through a storage network may include allocating data stored on a host storage block for storage on a target storage block. The host storage block and the target storage block may be included in a storage network that also includes one or more other storage blocks. The method may further include determining a plurality of characteristics of one or more of: the one or more other storage blocks and one or more devices associated with the one or more other storage blocks. Additionally, the method may include determining a distribution strategy for distributing the data from the host storage block to the target storage block based on the plurality of characteristics.