Extensible file system which layers a new file system with an old file system to provide coherent file data

Patent 5561799 Issued on October 1, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 11, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Application

No. 584878 filed on 01/11/1996

US Classes:

707/200FILE OR DATABASE MAINTENANCE

Examiners

Primary: Amsbury, Wayne

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Basinski; Erwin J.

International Class

G06F 017/30

Abstract

In this disclosure an architecture for extensible file systems is described. Also disclosed is an implementation of the architecture. The architecture enables the extension of file system functionality by stacking (or composing) new file systems (layers) on top of existing file systems. The implementor of a new layer has the option of keeping the files exported by the new layer coherent with files of the underlying layer, as well as the option of sharing the same cached memory with the files of the underlying layer. A flexible framework is also disclosed for arranging the file systems' name spaces. Composing of new layers on top of existing ones can be done statically (at compile/configuration time) or dynamically (at boot/run time). In addition, the file system layers can reside in the same address space or in different address spaces, and be implemented on a local computer node or on a remote computer node.

Other References

"A Layered Approach to File System Development" by J. Heidemann et al., Technical Report CSD-910007, Mar. 1991
"File System Development with Stackable Layers" DRAFT Report by J. Heidemann et al., Mar. 28, 1992
Tait et al, "Service Interface and Replica Management Algorithm for Mobile File System Clients", PROC of the First International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Information Systems, 4-6 Dec. 1991, pp. 190-197
Znati et al, "A Simulation Basen Analysis of Naming Schemes for Distributed Systems", PROC of the 25th Annual Simulation Symposium, 6-9 Apr. 1992, p. 42-51
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