A storage system for exchanging data with a host system, the storage
system including a plurality of storage devices, each of the storage
devices including: a non-volatile memory, wherein a fixed static-IP
address resides in the non-volatile memory, the fixed static-IP address
being common to two or more of the plurality of storage devices, and the
fixed static-IP address providing enablement of a storage-device
functionality of the storage device; a physical interface for
operationally connecting the storage device with the host system; and a
memory controller for: controlling the respective non-volatile memory;
and exchanging data, using a communication protocol, via the respective
fixed static-IP address. For at least one of the storage devices, the
respective fixed static-IP address may be pre-loaded into the respective
non-volatile memory during manufacture, or installed in the respective
non-volatile memory after manufacture.