An Empirical Study of a Highly Available File System
Brian D. Noble and M. Satyanarayanan
Abstract
In this paper we present results from a six-month empirical study of the
high availability aspects of the Coda File System. We report on the service
failures experienced by Coda clients, and show that such failures are masked
successfully. We also explore the effectiveness and resource costs of key
aspects of server replication and disconnected operation,
the two high availability mechanisms of Coda. Wherever possible, we compare
our measurements to simulation-based predictions from earlier papers and
to anecdotal evidence from users. Finally, we explore how users take advantage
of the support provided by Coda for mobile computing.