A method and computer program product for defining a multicast group within a local area network. The multicast group includes a storage initiator device and a plurality of storage targets. Each of the plurality of storage targets includes a storage index that identifies one or more data segments stored on the storage target. A write request for storing a data segment within the multicast group is received on the storage initiator device. A “check exist” message is generated that defines the data segment to be stored within the multicast group. The “check exist” message is multicast to the plurality of storage targets included within the multicast group.