Abstract: The data storage system has metadata server machines, content server machines arranged in groups where each group has a respective one or more of the content server machines, and a system interconnect to which the metadata and content server machines are communicatively coupled. A distributed file system is to be executed in the metadata server machines, the content server machines, and the client machine, to hide complexity of the system from a number of client machine users. The content server machines store slices of the files at locations indicated by the metadata. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a client using a first communication protocol with a distributed file system using a second communication protocol is described. The apparatus has a client interface and a file system driver. The client interface communicates with the client using the first communication protocol. The file system driver is coupled to the client interface and receives a communication from the client using the first communication protocol. The file system driver communicates with the distributed file system using the second communication protocol. Files in the distributed file system are divided and stored amongst distinct physical storage locations.

Abstract: A data storage system has a number of server groups, where each group has data storage servers. A file is stored in the system by being spread across two or more of the servers. The servers are communicatively coupled to internal packet switches. An external packet switch is communicatively coupled to the internal packet switches. Client access to each of the servers is through one of the internal packet switches and the external packet switch. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.