A GFS Shared File System can consist of single partition or multiple partitions. In the multi-partition configuration, multiple partitions are allocated to single file system.
Meta-data area and update log area are gathered by one partition and posted. The partition posted meta-data area is called the representative partition.
In a single partition configuration, a meta-data area, an update log area, and a file data area are allocated to one partition.
Figure 2.2 Single partition configuration
In the multi-partition configuration, the file data area can hold multiple partitions. Also, the file system can be created by detaching the file data area from the meta data area.
Typical examples of multi-partition configurations are shown on the following.
Adding a file data area to another partition. (file data area addition)
Figure 2.3 File data area addition
Partition configuration in which the file data area is separated from the representative partition.
Figure 2.4 File data area separation
In a multi-partition configuration, super block and partition configuration data are maintained in all partitions.
