Quantum Corporation
Filter file system with inode number as primary database key

Abstract:

Example apparatus and methods identify files that are so small or so large that they compromise the efficient operation of a file system that uses re-assignable one-to-one inodes and inode numbers. Small files are aggregated into collections of files and large files are subdivided into collections of smaller files. Information for locating multiple related files with fewer lookups is generated and stored in a folder. An inode having a new type of inode number is then created. The new type of inode number encodes information for finding the folder. The encoded information may include a folder identifier that acts as a primary key into a database that is configured to locate a member of the aggregated or subdivided files with a single lookup. A filter file system may be updated with the new inode. The new inode number is unique within the filter file system and may not be re-assigned.