A data storage system may have a number of data storage devices that each have a non-volatile memory connected to different first and second memory buffers. A data storage device can consist of a non-volatile memory where a data sector is stored. A network controller can consist of a buffer module connected to a first memory buffer and a second memory buffer that receives a data read request from the host for the data sector and evaluates the first and second memory buffers as a destination for the data sector after the data sector arrives at the buffer module. The buffer module may choose the first memory buffer and store the data sector in the first memory buffer prior to providing the data sector to the host to satisfy the data read request from the first memory buffer.