Abstract: A network storage system includes a virtual file system (“VFS”), to manage the files of the network storage system, and a storage center that stores the files. The VFS and the storage center are separated, such that a client accesses the VFS to conduct file system operations and the client accesses the storage center to upload/download files. The client accesses the network storage system through one or more storage ports. The storage center includes a plurality of distributed object storage managers (DOSMs) and a storage cluster that includes a plurality of intelligent storage nodes. The network storage system includes additional storage centers at geographically disparate locations. The network storage system uses a multi-cast protocol to maintain file information at the DOSMs regarding files stored in the intelligent storage nodes, including files stored in disparate storage centers.

Abstract: A network storage system includes a virtual file system (“VFS”) that manages the files of the network storage system, and a storage center that stores the files. The VFS and the storage center are separated, such that a client accesses the VFS to conduct file system operations and the client accesses the storage center to upload/download files. The client accesses the network storage system through one or more storage ports. The storage center includes a plurality of distributed object storage managers (DOSMs) and a storage cluster that includes a plurality of intelligent storage nodes. The network storage system includes additional storage centers at geographically disparate locations. The network storage system uses a multi-cast protocol to maintain file information at the DOSMs regarding files stored in the intelligent storage nodes, including files stored in disparate storage centers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for migrating a volume and a virtual disk from a first storage controller to a second storage controller in a distributed storage system having volumes and virtual disks associated with storage controllers. In one embodiment, the virtual disk is migrated to the second storage controller, and requests for data reads/writes associated with the virtual disk are routed to the second controller. Further, in another embodiment, the volume is migrated to the second storage controller, and requests for data reads/writes associated with the volume are routed to the second controller. A contact address may be associated with a plurality of storage controllers and once a session between an application server and a volume is established, the application server may be redirected so as to communicate with the storage controller associated with the volume using the IP address of the storage controller.