1. A method for execution by a storage unit in a directory-less distributed storage network (DSN), the method comprises: receiving a read request regarding a data segment of data; determining, based on the read request, whether an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices is locally stored, wherein the data segment was dispersed storage error encoded to produce the set of encoded data slices; when the encoded data slice is locally stored, generating a read response; outputting the read response; determining whether to forward the read request to another storage unit of the directory-less DSN; when the read request is to be forwarded: identifying one or more storage units of the directory-less DSN to which the read request is to be forwarded, wherein the identifying one or more storage units includes one or more of: accessing a table of localized mapping regarding one or more neighboring storage units to identify the one or more storage units; and receiving a message from a network management unit; and forwarding the read request to the one or more identified storage units.