Metadirectory namespace and method for use of the same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for accessing files and directories, comprising:
- making a file access request for a file or directory;
determining whether the requested file or directory is stored in a separate metadirectory namespace that is independent of one or more user-accessible namespaces; and
in response to determining the requested file or directory is stored in the metadirectory namespace, processing the file access request upon determining an originator of the file access request is permitted to access the requested file or directory, wherein a series of ordered entries corresponding to discrete client messages requesting file transactions are stored in an NVRAM log (NVLOG) to provide fault-tolerant backup of data stored in both the metadirectory namespace and in the one or more user-accessible namespaces, whereby a predetermined designation in an entry of the NVLOG identifies a file access request for data stored in the metadirectory namespace.
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Abstract
A metadirectory namespace is provided for storing files and directories “hidden” from one or more user-accessible namespaces. The metadirectory namespace is a separate, parallel namespace that coexists with other user-accessible namespaces in a storage operating system. Files and directories may be identified as being stored in a metadirectory based on their location or based on their associated flags. The metadirectory namespace may be selectively exported only to clients, users and applications given special file access permissions.
73 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for accessing files and directories, comprising:
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making a file access request for a file or directory; determining whether the requested file or directory is stored in a separate metadirectory namespace that is independent of one or more user-accessible namespaces; and in response to determining the requested file or directory is stored in the metadirectory namespace, processing the file access request upon determining an originator of the file access request is permitted to access the requested file or directory, wherein a series of ordered entries corresponding to discrete client messages requesting file transactions are stored in an NVRAM log (NVLOG) to provide fault-tolerant backup of data stored in both the metadirectory namespace and in the one or more user-accessible namespaces, whereby a predetermined designation in an entry of the NVLOG identifies a file access request for data stored in the metadirectory namespace. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A storage operating system comprising one or more user-accessible file systems and at least one metadirectory namespace, further comprising:
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means for receiving a file access request for a file or directory; means for determining whether the requested file or directory is stored in the at least one metadirectory namespace that is separate from the one or more user-accessible file systems; and means for processing the file access request upon determining an originator of the file access request is permitted to access a requested file or directory stored in the at least one metadirectory namespace, wherein a series of ordered entries corresponding to discrete client messages requesting file transactions are stored in an NVRAM log (NVLOG) to provide fault-tolerant backup of data stored in both the at least one metadirectory namespace and in the one or more user-accessible namespaces, whereby a predetermined designation in an entry of the NVLOG identifies a file access request for data stored in the at least one metadirectory namespace. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification