Networked storage system with access to any attached storage device

Abstract

In one embodiment, a networked system includes network interface ports to couple to a computer data network, PCIe devices, bridge devices coupled to network interface ports, a PCIe network switch coupled between bridge devices and PCIe devices, and a configuration device communicatively coupled to bridge devices and PCIe devices. Ports transmit outgoing and receive incoming network traffic. PCIe devices support a function of the computer data network. Each bridge device receives incoming network traffic portions and transmits outgoing network traffic portions through a respective network interface port. PCIe network switch routes PCIe packets between the plurality of bridge devices and the plurality of PCIe devices. Configuration device configures and initializes the PCIe devices for commands and operations that originate from the bridge devices. Configuration device and the bridge devices collaborate together to provide multiple communication paths between the network ports and the plurality of PCIe devices to provide any-to-any connectivity.