A metadata controller is used on a SAN to lock files, allocate data space, and grant permission to clients for different lock levels. It is necessary when multiple clients access the same block on the same disk volume. The controller also performs space allocation and is only used on high-end servers.
A metadata controller (MDC) is a type of data control used on a storage area network (SAN). With most SANs, there is a client that is granted block-level access or access to the physical layer of the data. A metadata controller is needed when there are multiple clients on a SAN quickly accessing the same block on the same disk volume. The MDC is used to lock files, move and allocate data space, and grant permission to clients for different lock levels. MDCs are only used on high-end servers and are never found on users’ computers.
A SAN is a dedicated network in which a client, usually made up of many different users, accesses data stored within the SAN. Unlike regular servers, which provide users with file-level access so they can use and manipulate the file, this type of server provides block-level access. This is known as low-level access, below what ordinary user computers can access, which specifies data storage and performance. This type of storage is flexible and allows administrators and users to boot from the same SAN for easy startup.
A metadata controller comes into play when multiple clients are using the same SAN at the same time. Without a metadata checker to change access or lock files, there’s no way your data will be private. At the same time, this controller can act as a sharing device when administrators grant other servers access to certain blocks.
When access to a block is granted through the controller, a different server is able to examine the data block. If the file is locked, it means that the server cannot see the lock or cannot modify the lock, depending on your access level. When access is granted, which can be done if the different clients on the SAN know each other, the lock can be transferred from one server to another, allowing the other server to use the lock.
Along with access and blocking, the metadata controller performs another function vital to the longevity of the SAN: space allocation. This allows administrators to move between blocks for best performance. When blocks are allocated correctly, memory channels can be used efficiently.
Metadata controllers can be used on many different types of SANs and networks. When used with the proper networks, it will increase performance. When the MDC is paired with the wrong network, even if it will work, it will usually degrade performance. When the metadata controller is used, it is usually necessary to specify an entire computer as the controller.
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