Data path accelerator for storage systems

A computer network file system, comprising:

• a first file server;
• a second file server, said first file server configured to push a copy of a frequently accessed file to said second file server to improve a balance of loading on each of the first and second file servers;
• first file system metadata loaded on said first file server;
• and
• second file system metadata loaded on said second file server, said first file system metadata and said second file system metadata configured to allow a client to locate files stored by said first file server and files stored by said second file server without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said files.

A method for storing data in a computer network, comprising:

• loading first file system metadata on a first file server operably connected to a network fabric;
• loading second file system metadata on a second file server connected to said network fabric, said first file system metadata and said second file system metadata aggregating files in a directory structure that spans said first server and said second server to allow a client to locate a file without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said file;
• selecting an infrequently accessed file on said first server;
• and
• pushing said infrequently accessed files to said second server.

A method for storing data in a computer network, comprising:

• loading first file system metadata on a first file server operably connected to a network fabric;
• loading second file system metadata on a second file server connected to said network fabric, said first file system metadata and said second file system metadata aggregating files in a directory structure that spans said first server and said second server to allow a client to locate a file without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said file;
• selecting a frequently accessed file on said first server;
• and
• pushing said frequently accessed files to said second server.

A computer network file system, comprising:

• a first file server;
• a second file server;
• a file system that aggregates files in a manner that allows a client to locate a file without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said file;
• and
• means for pushing an infrequently-accessed file on said first file server to said second file server.

A computer network file system, comprising:

• a first file server;
• a second file server;
• a file system that aggregates files in a manner that allows a client to locate a file without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said file;
• and
• means for pushing a frequently-accessed file on said first file server to said second file server.

A computer network file system, comprising:

• a first file server;
• a second file server;
• a file system that aggregates files in a manner that allows a client to locate a file without prior knowledge as to which file server stores said file;
• and
• means for collecting and analyzing a load balance between said first file server and said second file server;
• means for moving files between said first file server and said second file server to improve said load balance between said first file server and said second file server.