Abstract: Methods and systems support a dynamic ratio adjusting gearbox (DRAG) for communicating signals between at least one switch and a plurality of servers. The DRAG includes server interface ports, each coupled to a respective server. Each server interface port corresponds to a provisioned bandwidth, or the peak bandwidth allocated to the server interface port. The DRAG includes a switch interface port, coupled to a respective switch. The switch interface port corresponds to a provided bandwidth, which is the peak amount of bandwidth supported by the switch. The DRAG can dynamically allocate an amount of provisioned bandwidth for each server interface port such that an aggregate amount of provisioned bandwidth does not exceed an aggregate amount of bandwidth from the at least one switch coupled to the DRAG, and based on an amount of bandwidth utilized in operation, thereby improving bandwidth utilization and mitigating stranded bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing storage commands between a host and a target. The system includes a first line card, a system card, and a second line card. The storage command that is issued from the host is received by the first line card. The first line card determines whether or not it can process the request by itself and, if so, forwards the storage command to the second line card for forwarding (and eventual processing) by the target. If the first line card cannot process the storage command by itself, it forwards the storage command to the system card for additional processing. The revised storage command is issued from the system card to the first line card. The first line card then issues the revised storage command to the second line card for eventual processing by the target.

Abstract: A method of linking at least two network switches is disclosed, wherein each network switch switches data traffic of a plurality of devices, through a plurality of couplings. The method comprises the steps of generating a data stream including an identifier to be sent from a first to a second network switch, generating a number identifying one of the couplings from the identifier, and using the identified coupling for transfer of the data stream.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for an efficiently performing address lookups and switching for computer networks is disclosed. The present disclosure provides for address translation between network devices utilizing different protocols. The system, apparatus and method described herein provide for address translation for encapsulated communications to enable mixed protocol communications using a network switch fabric system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for an efficiently performing address lookups and switching for computer networks is disclosed. The present disclosure provides for address translation between network devices utilizing different protocols. The system, apparatus and method described herein provide for address translation for encapsulated communications to enable mixed protocol communications using a network switch fabric system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for configuring a network switch. Method and apparatus may include, in some embodiments, an application software that may be executing on an application subsystem coupled to a system control subsystem. The application software may, in some embodiments, communicate configuration or other information to the system control subsystem, which may then be utilized to configure the network switch. Additionally, data may be transferred to the application software from the system control subsystem or other subsystem relating to configuration information, fault information, or other data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing storage commands between a host and a target. The system includes a first line card, a system card, and a second line card. The storage command that is issued from the host is received by the first line card. The first line card determines whether or not it can process the request by itself and, if so, forwards the storage command to the second line card for forwarding (and eventual processing) by the target. If the first line card cannot process the storage command by itself, it forwards the storage command to the system card for additional processing. The revised storage command is issued from the system card to the first line card. The first line card then issues the revised storage command to the second line card for eventual processing by the target.

Abstract: A scalable switch fabric system and apparatus for computer networks. The scalable switch fabric system and apparatus comprises a Switch Fabric Subsystem, Input-Output Subsystems, Application Subsystems and System Control Subsystems. The Switch Fabric Subsystem is a protocol agnostic cell or packet switching infrastructure that provides scalable interconnections between the Input-Output Subsystems and Application Subsystems. The Switch Fabric Subsystem provides primary data paths for network traffic being moved by the switch. The Input-Output Subsystems connect to the external network devices that use the switch to communicate with other external network devices. The Input-Output Subsystems are part of the data path and do low level decoding of ingress frames from the external ports; switching/routing, identifying the destination Input-Output Subsystems for the frame; and queuing the frame for transmission through the Switch Fabric.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for an efficiently performing address lookups and switching for computer networks is disclosed. The present disclosure provides for address translation between network devices utilizing different protocols. The system, apparatus and method described herein provide for address translation for encapsulated communications to enable mixed protocol communications using a network switch fabric system.