摘要 |
A plurality of storage servers (5, 7, 8, 9) are connected in a subnet (1) that is connected to a main network (2) via one (or more - fig 2) of the storage servers (5). All traffic from the main network passes through the single storage server which operates in master (file) mode and has an internal protocol server, such as a DHCP server, turned on. The other servers operate in a slave mode with their internal protocol servers turned off and function at block level. An automated master/slave recognition system operates on start up. All the storage servers power up as slaves requesting IP addresses. The storage server connected to the main network recognises that it has received its address from the main network by virtue of receipt of standard protocol. It then turns on its own internal protocol server and adopts master mode. The master server's internal protocol server sends out the IP addresses for the storage subnet in a modified protocol, and on receipt of these the other storage servers remain in slave mode.
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