Patent ID: 7072823

Claim:
A data storage system for attaching to an Ethernet network to allow access by client systems dispersed across the Ethernet network, comprising: an Ethernet interface coupled to the Ethernet network and configured to receive and to send Ethernet packets according to a first protocol, said first protocol being a format useable by the client systems; a memory to store and to retrieve data according to a second protocol; a controller system, coupled between said Ethernet interface and said memory and configured to translate information between said first protocol and said second protocol; and a housing in which said Ethernet interface, said memory, and said controller system are disposed; wherein said memory forms a response to a request by one of said client systems, said response including at least one of (a) storing information, (b) retrieving information, and (c) providing status information; and wherein the data storage system is configured to directly attach to the Ethernet network without association with any host computer in the Ethernet network.