Introduction
Last updated
Last updated
dCache is a system for storing and retrieving huge amounts of data, distributed among a large number of heterogenous server nodes, under a single virtual filesystem tree with a variety of standard access methods. It supports exchanging data with backend storage systems such as tape, and offers flexible and fine-grained control over physical file location and redundancy.
Documentation for dCache administrators and users is maintained at the . In particular,
the tertiary storage interface is discussed in
the replica manager, responsible for managing replicated files on pools, is discussed in
The [documentation for the REST API]() is still under development. It describes setting and querying file status information as well as the formal requirements for interacting with the API.
The of dCache describes the anticipated support periods for each release. The 2.16 series is designated a "golden release", which means a two-year support period.
The dCache team recommends to use the for installation. They are available at the dCache homepage, as well as directly from .
Detailed are available from dCache's documentation site.
If, however, building from the Indigo source repository is desired, this can be done just like for the normal dCache releases:
Prepare a Linux workstation with a current Maven and JDK
clone the repository
Follow the instructions in BUILDING.md in the repository's root directory
This will result in an installable package. For the actual installation and dCache's runtime dependencies, follow the installation guide for package-based installations linked above and check the materials from the .
Setting up dCache requires some planning, due to the great flexibility of the system. All details can be found in the .
Externally, dCache requires some firewall configuration. There is a list of ports and their functions at . However, this greatly depends on the configuration chosen in a given installation. In a running system, port usage can be queried using the dcache ports command.
dCache accepts requests to WebDAV (HTTP) doors with OpenID credentials, but does not directly interact with the IAM. Documentation for using the OpenID plugin is available at .