Cluster unique identifier

A computer readable storage medium comprising computer executable instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method of providing an identifier to a client, the method comprising:

• generating a first 64-bit identifier associated with a file, wherein the first identifier comprises:
• a node identifier in a first portion of the first 64-bit identifier;
• a first major sequence number in a second portion of the first 64-bit identifier, the major sequence number being within a first range of numbers;
• and
• a first minor sequence number in a third portion of the first 64-bit identifier, the minor sequence number being within a second range of numbers;
• and
• providing the first 64-bit identifier to a client.

A computer system for providing file information to a client, the system comprising:

• a plurality of servers in a cluster, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of servers are configured to:
• establish a session with a client to provide access to file information stored on the cluster;
• receive a first request from a client for access to a first file;
• in response to receiving the first request, generate a first 64-bit identifier associated with the first file, wherein the first 64-bit identifier comprises:
• a server identifier in a first portion of the first 64-bit identifier;
• a first major sequence number in a second portion of the first 64-bit identifier, the major sequence number being within a first range of numbers;
• and
• a first minor sequence number in a third portion of the first 64-bit identifier, the minor sequence number being within a second range of numbers;
• and
• provide the first 64-bit identifier to a client.