Abstract: A method for coalescing acknowledge packets within a server is disclosed. A Read Request queue having multiple queue pair entries is provided. Each of the queue pair entries includes a packet sequence number (PSN) field and an indicator field. In response to a receipt of a Write Request packet, an indicator field of a queue pair entry is set to indicate that an Ack packet has been queued within the queue pair entry, and a PSN of the Write Request packet is written into a PSN field of the queue pair entry. In addition, a Queue Write Pointer is maintained to point to the queue pair entry. In response to a receipt of a Read Request packet, the indicator field of the queue pair entry is set to indicate that a Read Request packet has been queued within the queue pair entry, and a PSN of the Read Request packet is written into the PSN field of the queue pair entry. Also, the Queue Write Pointer is advanced to point to a queue pair entry that is subsequent to the queue pair entry.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for providing system-area network (SAN) multicasting functionality in a logically partitioned (LPAR) data processing system in which a channel adapter is shared among a plurality of logical partitions is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows LPAR “hypervisor” firmware to assume the responsibility for multicast protocol handling and distribution of packets among logical partitions.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed within a logically partitioned data processing system for providing an aliased queue pair for each logical partition for the single general services management queue pair that exists within a physical host channel adapter. Packets intended for the logical ports are received at the physical port. Multiple partitions exist within the data processing system. When one of these partitions needs to use one of the logical ports, a queue pair is selected. The queue pair is then associated with the logical port. The queue pair is configured as an aliased general services management queue pair and is used by the partition as if the aliased queue pair were the single general services management queue pair provided in the channel adapter.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing dynamic Virtual Lane buffer reconfiguration in a channel adapter. A first register is provided for communicating an adapter buffer size and allocation capability for the channel adapter. At least one second register is provided for communicating a current port buffer size and one second register is associated with each physical port of the channel adapter. A plurality of third registers is provided for communicating a current VL buffer size, and one third register is associated with each VL of each physical port of the channel adapter. The second register is used for receiving change requests for adjusting the current port buffer size for an associated physical port. The third register is used for receiving change requests for adjusting the current VL buffer size for an associated VL.