Abstract: F_PORTs of an edge switch are logically trunking with N_PORTs of a node device outside the fabric via a trunked group of communications links. The trunked N_PORTs of the node device and the trunked F_PORTs of the edge switch are configured to send and receive frames of a particular stream across the multiple trunked links for in-order communication with the other device. The node device outside the fabric initially negotiates with the edge switch using a sequence of fabric login requests and fabric login acceptances to establish the trunked connection between the devices (and their respective ports).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a distributed file system that is able to use direct connections between clients and disks to perform file system operations. Upon receiving a request at a client to access a file, the client performs a lookup in a local cache to determine what physical disk blocks are associated with the request. If the lookup cannot be satisfied from the local cache, the client forwards the request to a server. In response to the forwarded request, the client receives a block map for the file from the server. This block map includes location information specifying physical disk blocks containing the file. The client uses this block map to determine which physical disk blocks are involved in the request and then accesses the file directly from the disk without going through the server.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a distributed file system that is able to use direct connections between clients and disks to perform file system operations. Upon receiving a request at a client to access a file, the client performs a lookup in a local cache to determine what physical disk blocks are associated with the request. If the lookup cannot be satisfied from the local cache, the client forwards the request to a server. In response to the forwarded request, the client receives a block map for the file from the server. This block map includes location information specifying physical disk blocks containing the file. The client uses this block map to determine which physical disk blocks are involved in the request and then accesses the file directly from the disk without going through the server.