Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure storage of data by using redundant keys is provided. The method includes encrypting a data set by using a master key, which can be encrypted by different sync keys. Sync keys can be generated by different supervisor cards. Thereafter, the encrypted master key and the encrypted data set can be stored in a memory. Further, credentials stored in one of the supervisor cards can be encrypted and transferred to other supervisor cards, to provide redundancy of supervisor cards.

Abstract: The present invention describes various mechanisms which may be used for improving SAN device interoperability enforcement techniques implemented in SAN or Fibre Channel networks. In one implementation, the technique of the present invention allows a SAN to automatically enforce interoperability requirements between devices connected to a SAN by utilizing SAN zoning technology to implement one or more novel types of “smart” zones having different, customizable attributes. In one implementation, a first device and second device of the SAN may be automatically identified as being non-interoperable. The first device and the second device may then be included as members of a negative zone having a first associated negative zone attribute prohibiting communication between members of the first negative zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for authenticating an iSCSI initiator connected to a fibre channel storage area network. An iSCSI initiator performs an authentication exchange with a fibre channel target such as a fibre channel host or disk array through one or more fibre channel switches. Authentication information such as password information no longer is required at fibre channel switches and can instead be aggregated at fibre channel targets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for employing print mode techniques to optimize image quality, throughput speed and reliability, including generating pseudo-random printmasks to minimize banding, bleeding, blocking, and other undesirable printing artifacts, and combining random selection of a pass number for printing each pixel of a printmask with application of various constraints. In combination with other aspects of the invention, speed is optimized by depositing substantially a single drop of ink per pixel, thereby minimizing both the number of passes required to render all pixels completely and drying time. Image quality is optimized by maximizing the time and distance between deposition of individual ink drops, thereby minimizing coalescence, bleeding, cockling, blocking, pen temperature, and pen-firing frequency which affect uniformity and consistency of ink drop size.