Nutanix, Inc.
Efficient scaling of distributed storage systems

Abstract:

Systems and methods for managing access to storage devices in a distributed data storage environment. Embodiments operate to manage communications between a client computing device and storage target devices in a distributed storage system. The distributed storage system comprises one or more computing nodes and at least one storage target device. A client computing device interfaced with the distributed storage system uses an IP address to access a leader virtualized controller. Upon receipt of a storage access protocol message by the leader virtualized controller elected from a set of virtualized controllers, a redirect message comprising a second IP address that identifies a second virtualized controller is sent to the client computing device. The client computing device connects to the second virtualized controller. Messages are sent between the client computing device and the second virtualized controller, which in turn accesses the storage target device to carry out storage I/O protocol messaging.