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Abstract

A parallel local area network server is capable of sharing data and routing messages between workstations in a local area network. An apparatus according to the invention includes a plurality of processing nodes, each constituted by at least a single data processor, and an interconnect by which the processing nodes communicate. A plurality of mass storage devices are associated with the processing nodes, and a plurality of workstation computers are connected to the processing nodes. Each processing node includes is adapted to route messages to workstation computers associated with other processing nodes and to access data located both locally and at data storage devices associated with other processing nodes. A method according to the invention includes receiving a message at a first processing node and determining if the message is directed to a workstation computer at a second processing node and sending the message to the second processing node for subsequent delivery to the workstation computer. If the message includes a request for a specific data, a second determination is made if the specific data is in the local cache memory of the first processing node. If the specific data is not in the local cache memory, determination is made if the specific data is in a mass storage device at the first processing node, and if so the mass storage device is accessed to obtain the specific data. If the specific data is not in the local mass storage device, a message is forwarded to a remote processing node to request the specific data. Once this data is obtained, it is sent to the requesting workstation computer. The network server system according to the invention thus provides the functions of a file server and a local area network switch, thereby eliminating performance limitations associated with overloaded connections between file servers and LAN switches in conventional local area networks.

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First Claim