A hybrid model for mobile file systems
John E. Saldanha, D.L. Cohn · Workshop on Mobile Computing Systems and Applications · 2002
Existing distributed file systems are based on either a client -server model or a peer-to-peer model. We believe that the dynamic conditions of mobile computing and new classes of devices such as PDAs will no longer permit rigid adherence to either of these models. In this paper, we argue that a hybrid of the two will have to be used. We then propose a file system design based on such a model which exploits the ability of highly portable devices like PDAs to be carried by their owners at all times. We examine the relationship between mobile computing personae and file systems and show how the persona concept can be used to support the file system needs of mobile users. Finally we discuss some issues raised by the implementation we are building. 1. The Need for a Hybrid Model In the client-server model, used by distributed file systems such as AFS [3] and Coda [4], a select subset of the machines are given the special status of servers and act as the primary storage sites for files. At...