Distributed data storage

A method implemented by a first data storage node, the method comprising:

• the first data storage node monitoring other data storage nodes that are in a storage group, wherein the first data storage node maintains a node list that identifies the other data storage nodes as being in the storage group, and the other data storage nodes comprises at least two data storage nodes in the storage group, wherein the first data storage node and the other data storage nodes in the storage group are in a same hierarchical level with respect to opportunity to initiate data replication within the storage group;
• the first data storage node determining that at least one file stored on at least one of the other data storage nodes is to be replicated;
• the first data storage node determining that the at least one file is locally stored at the first data storage node based on a host list for the at least one file, wherein the host list for the at least one file is locally stored at the first data storage node, and the host list for the at least one file indicates which storage nodes in the storage group store the at least one file;
• the first data store node initiating a replication procedure for the at least one file, wherein the replication procedure results in the at least one file being stored in at least one additional data storage node in the storage group, and wherein the replication procedure comprises the first data storage node creating an updated host list for the at least one file;
• and
• the first data storage node distributing the updated host list to other storage nodes that store the at least one file, and wherein the updated host list, which indicates that the at least one file is stored at the least one additional data storage node, is configured for use by the other storage nodes that store the at least one file to update their respective host lists.