Abstract: A cache manager efficiently supporting both connected and disconnected client operation. A single integrated cache is maintained for file system data, status and pathname information. File system requests are satisfied by the cache if possible and passed to a remote file system for servicing if necessary. The cache manager is independent of operating system file syntax and distributed file system protocol. Disconnected operation is supported through an aggressive caching policy and by logging of file system modifications. Modification logs are created when the client is disconnected by logging objects that optimize the log as it is created. Cache file system objects can have multiple parents each with different naming syntax because the object name is not cached.

Abstract: An improved file system apparatus and method for minimizing the length of time a client system waits before declaring a data communication link disconnected. The apparatus and method dynamically modify a file system request time-out value based on the actual length of time required to service each file system request. In one embodiment, a time-out value is determined for each request type based on the actual response time and a buffer time for each request type. The response timer is based on readings from a system clock therefore operating as a low overhead process. A monitoring system periodically tests the server to ensure that a physical connection still exists.