Topology independent storage arrays and methods

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A topology independent storage array. In a preferred embodiment the topology of the array is reconfigurable due to information control packets passed among storage nodes comprising the array. The topology of the array as determine by the relationship between data sets stored within the array's storage nodes and storage maps of the storage node can be reconfigured without requiring a complete duplication of the entire array. In especially preferred embodiments the topology of the storage array follows a Z-10 or a Z-110 configuration where storage devices store one or more mirrored parts of a data set per storage device.