Chapter 3. GNBD Driver and Command Usage

3.1. Exporting a GNBD from a Server
3.2. Importing a GNBD on a Client

The Global Network Block Device (GNBD) driver allows a node to export its local storage as a GNBD over a network so that other nodes on the network can share the storage. Client nodes importing the GNBD use it like any other block device. Importing a GNBD on multiple clients forms a shared storage configuration through which GFS can be used.

The GNBD driver is implemented through the following components.

gnbd_serv — Implements the GNBD server. It is a user-space daemon that allows a node to export local storage over a network.
gnbd.ko — Implements the GNBD device driver on GNBD clients (nodes using GNBD devices).

Two user commands are available to configure GNBD:

gnbd_export (for servers) — User program for creating, exporting, and managing GNBDs on a GNBD server.
gnbd_import (for clients) — User program for importing and managing GNBDs on a GNBD client.