Abstract: A method of transparently inserting a virtual storage layer into a Fiber channel based storage area network (SAN) while maintaining continuous I/O operations is provided. A device is inserted between a host entity and a first storage device. The device identifies a plurality of first paths between the host entity and the first storage device, and defines a plurality of second paths by defining, for each first path among the plurality of first paths, a corresponding second path between the host entity and a second storage device. The device determines, for each of the plurality of first paths, a respective first state. The device establishes, for each of the second paths among the plurality of second paths, a second state based on the first state of the corresponding first path. The device redirects, to the second storage device, communications directed from the host entity to the first storage device, via the plurality of second paths.

Abstract: A first port of a device is connected to a first switch port of a first virtual switch defined within a switch device and a second port of the device is connected to a second switch port of a second virtual switch defined within the switch device. A target world wide port name of a target port of a storage system connected to the second virtual switch is identified by the device. The first port of the device is registered, in a first registration procedure, with the first virtual switch based on the target world wide port name. Registration information relating to an initiator port of a server that is associated with the target port is received in a second registration procedure. An initiator world wide port name of the initiator port of the server is determined based on the registration information. A storage volume in the storage system that is associated with the initiator port is identified based on the initiator world wide port name of the initiator port.

Abstract: A first volume comprising a plurality of blocks stored in a first location is accessed. A plurality of hash values representing the plurality of blocks is stored. The plurality of blocks is copied to a second volume stored in a second location, generating a copied volume. The copied volume is verified based on the plurality of hash values. In one embodiment, the first volume is altered, after the plurality of hash values is stored. Altering the first volume may include changing data in a selected one of the plurality of blocks. The first volume may be altered during copying of the plurality of blocks to the second volume.

Abstract: A first device in a network, having a first port, receives an identifier of a second port of a second device in the network, the network comprising a host entity, a switch, and a storage system. The first port of the first device spoofs the second port of the second device, during a communication with the switch. The first device receives information identifying a third port of a third device in the network that is zoned to the second port of the second device. The device identifies data stored in the storage system that may be accessed by the host entity, based at least on the information.

Abstract: A first volume comprising a plurality of blocks stored in a first location is accessed. A plurality of hash values representing the plurality of blocks is stored. The plurality of blocks is copied to a second volume stored in a second location, generating a copied volume. The copied volume is verified based on the plurality of hash values. In one embodiment, the first volume is altered, after the plurality of hash values is stored. Altering the first volume may include changing data in a selected one of the plurality of blocks. The first volume may be altered during copying of the plurality of blocks to the second volume.

Abstract: A target world wide port name of a target port of a storage system is identified, by a device located in a path between a switch port of a switch and the target port of the storage system. A first port of the device is registered with the switch based on the target world wide port name, in a first registration procedure. Registration information relating to an initiator port of a server that is associated with the target port is received, in a second registration procedure. An initiator world wide port name of the initiator port of the server is determined, based on the registration information. A storage volume in the storage system that is associated with the initiator port is identified, based on the initiator world wide port name of the initiator port.

Abstract: A target world wide port name of a target port of a storage system is identified, by a device located in a path between a switch port of a switch and the target port of the storage system. A first port of the device is registered with the switch based on the target world wide port name, in a first registration procedure. Registration information relating to an initiator port of a server that is associated with the target port is received, in a second registration procedure. An initiator world wide port name of the initiator port of the server is determined, based on the registration information. A storage volume in the storage system that is associated with the initiator port is identified, based on the initiator world wide port name of the initiator port.