A Client-Side-Only Approach to Disconnected File Access

Abstract

We discuss a client-side-only approach to providing disconnected access to a heterogeneous set of network file services. Our method contrasts with those used in systems such as Coda. primarily because Coda depends upon changes to both the client software and the server software. Instead. we assume that we cannot make changes to the servers. and we explore the resultant benefits and limitations. as manifested in our prototype implementation. Unlike the LITLE WORK approach to disconnected operation for AFS, we do not commit to a specific file access protocol; rather. we support access to multiple file services. We describe how a usability study affected our user model. system design. and implementation.