Self-configuration and automatic disk balancing of network attached storage devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for configuring a network attached storage device, the method comprising:
- detecting that a first storage device has been connected onto a network;
broadcasting onto the network that the first storage device has been connected;
determining whether a second storage device is connected onto the network; and
receiving configuration information from the second storage device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for self-configuration and automatic disk balancing of network attached storage devices are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for providing automatic disk balancing that uses a self-configuring set of network storage devices. A self-configuring set of network storage devices enables a user to merely plug in a new storage device; the network self-configures to provide additional storage. The user, as well as applications available on the client computer, can then logically access data stored on any of a plurality of such devices as if the data were stored on a single selected one of the devices.
38 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for configuring a network attached storage device, the method comprising:
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detecting that a first storage device has been connected onto a network;
broadcasting onto the network that the first storage device has been connected;
determining whether a second storage device is connected onto the network; and
receiving configuration information from the second storage device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for configuring a network attached storage device, the method comprising:
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receiving a message indicating that a first storage device has been connected onto a network;
sending an interrogation message to the first storage device to determine whether the first storage device is adapted to be configured by a second storage device;
receiving an indication that the first storage device is adapted to be configured by the second storage device; and
providing configuration information to the first storage device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A storage device, comprising:
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means for coupling the storage device to a network; and
a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising;
detecting that a first storage device has been connected onto a network;
broadcasting onto the network that the first storage device has been connected;
determining whether a second storage device is connected onto the network; and
receiving configuration information from the second storage device.
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17. A storage device, comprising:
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means for coupling the storage device to a network; and
a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising;
receiving a message indicating that a first storage device has been connected onto a network;
sending an interrogation message to the first storage device to determine whether the first storage device is adapted to be configured by a second storage device;
receiving an indication that the first storage device is adapted to be configured by the second storage device; and
providing configuration information to the first storage device.
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18. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a directory structure comprising:
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a first directory associated with a first network attached storage device; and
a second directory associated with a second network attached storage device, wherein the first and second directories provide logical access to a single one of the network attached storage devices, and physical access to both of the network attached storage devices. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification