Methods and systems for classifying storage systems using fixed static-IP addresses

A storage system for exchanging data with a host system, the storage system including a plurality of storage devices, each of the storage devices comprising:

• (a) a non-volatile memory, wherein a fixed static-IP address resides in said non-volatile memory, said fixed static-IP address being common to two or more of said plurality of storage devices, and said fixed static-IP address providing enablement of a storage-device functionality of the storage device;
• (b) a physical interface for operationally connecting the storage device with a host system;
• and
• (c) a memory controller for;
• (i) controlling said non-volatile memory;
• (ii) determining whether a request received from the host system uses the fixed static-IP address;
• and
• (iii) fulfilling the request without activating the storage-device functionality when the request does not use the fixed static-IP address;
• and
• (iv) fulfilling the request by activating the storage-device functionality when the request uses the fixed static-IP address, and exchanging data, using a communication protocol, via said fixed static-IP address.