Fast file server methods and systems

摘要

The invention provides, in one aspect, an improved system for data access comprising a file server that is coupled to a client device or application executing thereon via one or more networks. The server comprises static storage that is organized in one or more directories, each containing, zero, one or more files. The server also comprises a file system operable, in cooperation with a file system on the client device, to provide authorized applications executing on the client device access to those directories and/or files. Fast file server (FFS) software or other functionality executing on or in connection with the server responds to requests received from the client by transferring requested data to the client device over multiple network pathways. That data can comprise, for example, directory trees, files (or portions thereof), and so forth.

主权项

1. A system to allow transfer of requested data comprising:
a file server capable of receiving communications from a client executing application; a file system of the file server; a plurality of networks; a software program stored on the file server which generates a configuration file which specifies from the plurality of networks, one or more network interfaces over which data can be transmitted to the client executing application, where the file system controls access to the configuration file by the client executing application, where access is granted based in part on the identity of the client executing application, where when the file server receives a request from the client executing application for data the file server responds by transferring the data over the one or more network interfaces specified by the configuration file.