Abstract: A link negotiation method for enabling communication between first and second Serial Attached Small Computer Interface (SAS) storage devices operably coupled by an optical cable. The method includes continuously transmitting a non-SAS data pattern between the first and second SAS storage devices. In response to successful exchange of the non-SAS data between the first and second SAS storage devices, a SAS data pattern is continuously transmitted between the first and second SAS storage devices. In response to successful exchange of the SAS data pattern between the first and second SAS storage devices, an initial frame is continuously transmitted between the first and second SAS storage devices. Communication between the first and second SAS storage devices is enabled in response successful communication of the initial frame between the first and second SAS storage devices.

Abstract: SAS/SATA Store-Forward (SSSF) buffering enables SAS/SATA block storage devices capable of slower physical link rates to transfer data at a SAS topology data rate. 6 Gbps SAS and SATA disk drives can exchange data at 12 Gbps with 12 Gbps hosts through 12 Gbps SAS expanders employing an SSSF device. The SSSF device improves data transfer performance in the storage area network by optimizing host-side link utilization. The device includes a host-side interface communicating with the host at a host-side rate, a drive-side interface communicating with the target at a drive-side rate equal to or less than the host-side rate, a buffer receiving SAS frames or SATA FIS's, and control logic to control communication between the host-side interface and buffer at the host-side rate and between the drive-side interface and the buffer at the drive-side rate.

Abstract: A method for correcting a formatting error in a flash memory is disclosed. An error in a first formatting of a first flash memory is discovered, and a second formatting is extracted from a second flash memory storing second data. The erroneous first formatting is replaced with a modification of the second formatting, and first data is stored in the first flash memory with the modification of the second formatting. The first data is different from the second data.

Abstract: A method for correcting a formatting error in a boot sector of a hard disk drive is disclosed. An error in a first formatting of a first hard disk drive is discovered, and a second formatting is extracted from a second hard disk drive storing second data. The erroneous first formatting is replaced with a modification of the second formatting, and first data is stored in the first hard disk drive with the modification of the second formatting. The first data is different from the second data.

Abstract: A system, method, and product are disclosed in a data processing system for serializing hardware reset requests in a software communication request queue in a processor card. The processor card processes software communication requests utilizing the queue in a serial order and processes hardware requests without utilizing the queue. A hardware reset request is received by the processor card and put in the queue. The hardware reset request is processed from the queue in the serial order when all requests from the queue that are currently being serviced have completed being serviced.