Abstract: A content addressable storage system (CASS) comprises a storage system coupled to one or more content addressable storage array elements (CASAEs). The storage system is coupled to storage resources of a local storage array configured to store a high level meta-directory that describes data containers, e.g., directories, files and logical units (luns), served by the CASS. In addition, each CASAE is coupled to storage resources of a remote storage array configured to store user data (data blocks) of the data containers served by the CASS. The CASAE is configured to perform a content addressable storage computation on each data block written to its storage resources in order to prevent storage of two or more blocks with the same data. Notably, the CASAE interacts with its associated remote storage array to form a CASAE “storage brick”.

Abstract: A content addressable storage array element (CASAE) of a storage system is configured to eliminate duplicate data stored on its storage resources. The CASAE independently determines whether data associated with a write operation has already been written to a location on its storage resources. To that end, the CASAE performs a content addressable storage computation on each data block written to those resources in order to prevent storage of two or more blocks with the same data. If data of a block has been previously stored on the resources, the CASAE cooperates with a file system executing on the system to provide a reference (block pointer) to the same data block rather than duplicate the stored data. Otherwise, the CASAE stores the data block at a new location on the resources and provides a block pointer to that location.

Abstract: A network-accessible memory (NAM) element comprises a substrate, a memory mounted to the substrate, network interface circuitry and logic circuitry. The network interface circuitry implements a network physical layer and is mounted to the substrate. The logic circuitry is mounted to the substrate and is coupled to the network interface circuitry and the memory, and is configured to operate as a memory controller to control access to the memory by a host processor which is external to the NAM element through the network interface circuitry. The NAM element can be interconnected with other NAM elements to form a larger NAM storage device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a network interface device for connecting a client computer system to an external network. The network interface device is configured for the client system by automated procedures and protocols initiated from a remote server. Software programs within the network interface device provide transparent communication between the client computer system and services available on the external network. Similar software programs and a configuration database within the network interface device provide transparent communication between the client computer system and the remote server.