Master the design and structure of Linux storage stack and explore its sophisticated architecture Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Key FeaturesExplore the virtual file system (VFS) and how it serves as an abstraction layer for the actual file systemUnderstand how the block layer acts as an intermediary between file systems and physical storageDiscover the physical layout and protocols linked with storage mediaBook DescriptionThe Linux storage stack serves as a prime example of meticulously coordinated layers. Embark on a journey through the kernel code with Architecture and Design of the Linux Storage Stack, crafted for anyone seeking in-depth knowledge about the layered design of Linux storage and its landscape. You’ll explore the Linux storage stack and its various concepts. You’ll unlock the secrets of the virtual filesystem and the actual filesystem and the differences in their implementation, the role of the block layer, the Multi-Queue and Device Mapper frameworks, I/O schedulers, physical storage layout, and how to analyze all the layers in the storage stack. By the end of this book, you’ll be acquainted with how a simple I/O request from a process travels down through all the layers and ends up in physical storage.What you will learnUnderstand the role of the virtual filesystemExplore the different flavors of Linux filesystems and their key conceptsManage I/O operations to and from block devices using the block layerDeep dive into the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) subsystem and the layout of physical devicesGauge I/O performance at each layer of the storage stackDiscover the best storage practicesWho this book is forThis book is for system and storage administrators, engineers, linux professionals, linux community in general, and anyone looking to expand their understanding of Linux and its storage landscape. Prior knowledge of Linux operating system is a must.
Table of ContentsWhere It All Starts From – The Virtual FilesystemExplaining the Data Structures in a VFSExploring the Actual Filesystems Under the VFSUnderstanding the Block Layer, Block Devices, and Data StructuresUnderstanding the Block Layer, Multi-Queue, and Device MapperUnderstanding I/O Handling and Scheduling in the Block LayerThe SCSI SubsystemIllustrating the Layout of Physical MediaAnalyzing Physical Storage PerformanceAnalyzing Filesystems and the Block LayerTuning the I/O Stack