Retrieving multi-generational stored data in a dispersed storage network

A computer readable storage medium comprises:

• at least one memory section that stores operational instructions that, when executed by one or more processing modules of one or more computing devices of a dispersed storage network (DSN), causes the one or more computing devices to:
• generate, based on a data object name, a first retrieval request for retrieving metadata addressing information, wherein the first retrieval request is formatted in accordance with a read request format of the DSN;
• generate, based on retrieved metadata addressing information, a second retrieval request for retrieving metadata, wherein the second retrieval request is formatted in accordance with the read request format of the DSN;
• and
• generate, based on retrieved metadata, a third retrieval request for retrieving at least a portion of a data object associated with the data object name, wherein the third retrieval request is formatted in accordance with the read request format of the DSN.

A computing device of a group of computing devices of a dispersed storage network (DSN), the computing device comprises:

• an interface;
• a local memory;
• and
• a processing module operably coupled to the interface and the local memory, wherein the processing module functions to:
• generate, based on a data object name, a first retrieval request for retrieving metadata addressing information, wherein the first retrieval request is formatted in accordance with a read request format of the DSN;
• generate, based on retrieved metadata addressing information, a second retrieval request for retrieving metadata, wherein the second retrieval request is formatted in accordance with the read request format of the DSN;
• and
• generate, based on retrieved metadata, a third retrieval request for retrieving at least a portion of a data object associated with the data object name, wherein the third retrieval request is formatted in accordance with the read request format of the DSN.