Abstract: A large port count Fiber Channel switch. The large port count switch comprises multiple small switches. Inter-Switch links connect the small switches within the large port count switch. A set of routing rules governs the path data follows through the large port count switch.

Abstract: A large port count Fibre Channel switch. The large port count switch comprises multiple small switches. Inter-Switch links connect the small switches within the large port count switch. A set of routing rules governs the path data follows through the large port count switch.

Abstract: Virtual channels are used to improve quality of service through a large port count switch. Data frames are sent from one small switch to another small switch within the large port count switch on virtual channels. The use of virtual channels helps prevent congestion caused by a first external source device sending data to a first external destination device from affecting a second external source device sending data to a second external destination device.

Abstract: In a communication network system having a multi-switch Fiber Channel fabric, adjacent switches are communicatively coupled together by a plurality of links. The links are selectively determined to join a trunked group for enabling frames received at one switch to be routed over the links in the trunked group to the adjacent switch in an evenly distributed manner. In one embodiment, a link within the trunked group is coupled to a pair of ports residing on adjacent switches each having a designated trunking master port. The traffic load at one switch is routed through the trunking master port which distributes the load across multiple links and guarantees that the load is received at the adjacent switch with “in-order” delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for filtering a plurality of frames sent between devices coupled to a fabric by Fiber Channel connections. Frames are reviewed against a set of individual frame filters. Each frame filter is associated with an action, and actions selected by filter matches are prioritized. Groups of devices are “zoned” together and frame filtering ensures that restrictions placed upon communications between devices within the same zone are enforced. Zone group filtering is also used to prevent devices not within the same zone from communicating. Zoning may also be used to create LUN-level zones, protocol zones, and access control zones. In addition, individual frame filters may be created that reference selected portions of frame header or frame payload fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for filtering a plurality of frames sent between devices coupled to a fabric by Fiber Channel connections. Frames are reviewed against a set of individual frame filters. Each frame filter is associated with an action, and actions selected by filter matches are prioritized. Groups of devices are “zoned” together and frame filtering ensures that restrictions placed upon communications between devices within the same zone are enforced. Zone group filtering is also used to prevent devices not within the same zone from communicating. Zoning may also be used to create LUN-level and extent-level zones, protocol zones, and access control zones. In addition, individual frame filters may be created that reference selected portions of frame header or frame payload fields.

Abstract: A method that utilizes virtual channels and a common pool of credits, controlled by a transmitter to maximize the throughput across an Inter-Switch Link in a Fibre Channel network. Each virtual channel is allocated a minimum number of credits and the remaining credits of the ISL are held in a common pool. When needs arise, the credits in the pool will be allocated or reallocated to make the best use dynamically by the transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving multi-speed data streams is described. The data streams are stored within a central memory containing a plurality of memory modules. A first embodiment provides for creating multiple timeslots and segments for accessing a memory module within the central memory. A second embodiment provides for buffering data streams to equalize the rate at which all the data streams are stored and retrieved from the central memory. An implementation of the second embodiment is described where unused timeslots are allocated for sending data from a memory module to a transmitting port.

Abstract: Virtual channels are used to improve quality of service through a large port count switch. Data frames are sent from one small switch to another small switch within the large port count switch on virtual channels. The use of virtual channels helps prevent congestion caused by a first external source device sending data to a first external destination device from affecting a second external source device sending data to a second external destination device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for filtering a plurality of frames sent between devices coupled to a fabric by Fibre Channel connections. Frames are reviewed against a set of individual frame filters. Each frame filter is associated with an action, and actions selected by filter matches are prioritized. Groups of devices are “zoned” together and frame filtering ensures that restrictions placed upon communications between devices within the same zone are enforced. Zone group filtering is also used to prevent devices not within the same zone from communicating. Zoning may also be used to create LUN-level zones, protocol zones, and access control zones. In addition, individual frame filters may be created that reference selected portions of frame header or frame payload fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for filtering a plurality of frames sent between devices coupled to a fabric by Fiber Channel connections. Frames are reviewed against a set of individual frame filters. Each frame filter is associated with an action, and actions selected by filter matches are prioritized. Groups of devices are “zoned” together and frame filtering ensures that restrictions placed upon communications between devices within the same zone are enforced. Zone group filtering is also used to prevent devices not within the same zone from communicating. Zoning may also be used to create LUN-level zones, protocol zones, and access control zones. In addition, individual frame filters may be created that reference selected portions of frame header or frame payload fields.

Abstract: A link level flow control technique implements a “pull frame” transmission model in a Fibre Channel network. In one embodiment, frames remain in a first Fibre Channel device until they are requested by a second Fibre Channel device, wherein the second Fibre Channel device does not issue a request unless conditions are such that it can immediately transmit the frame toward its target destination. In another embodiment, a Fibre Channel device provides hardware messaging capability to support the pull model. In yet another embodiment, multiple Fibre Channel devices in accordance with the invention may be coupled to provide high port-count Fibre Channel switches.

Abstract: A key assembly which includes a key shank having a forward portion and a handle portion having an aperture. A shuttle is also included. The shuttle includes first and second substantially planar portions and a center portion connected to the substantially planar portions. A transponder recess is located on the shuttle. The shuttle is configured and dimensioned to mate with the aperture on the handle portion of the key shank. After mating with the aperture, the shuttle rotates within the aperture. After mating with and rotating within the aperture, the shuttle is securely retained within the aperture. A transponder is located within the transponder recess. The transponder receives a wireless interrogation signal and transmitting a wireless response signal in response to the interrogation signal. A key head is formed about the shuttle, transponder, and handle portion of the key shank.

Abstract: A locking latch includes an outer housing and a handle in relative movable engagement with the outer housing. In rigid engagement with the handle is a barrel positioned in the outer housing. A key cylinder is in relative movable engagement with the barrel. The key cylinder is rotatable by a key between locked and unlocked positions in which rotation of the handle is, respectively, inhibited and enabled. A latching member is in movable engagement with the barrel so that rotation of the barrel by the handle induces movement of the latching member to latch and unlatch an access structure of a container. An engaging member is in movable engagement with the key cylinder so that rotation of the key cylinder induces movement of the engaging member between an engaged position where the handle is locked to the outer housing to inhibit rotation of the handle and an unengaged position where rotation of the handle is not inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for filtering a plurality of frames sent between devices coupled to a fabric by Fibre Channel connections. Frames are reviewed against a set of individual frame filters. Each frame filter is associated with an action, and actions selected by filter matches are prioritized. Groups of devices are “zoned” together and frame filtering ensures that restrictions placed upon communications between devices within the same zone are enforced. Zone group filtering is also used to prevent devices not within the same zone from communicating. Zoning may also be used to create LUN-level and extent-level zones, protocol zones, and access control zones. In addition, individual frame filters may be created that reference selected portions of frame header or frame payload fields.

Abstract: A locking latch includes an outer housing and a handle in relative movable engagement with the outer housing. In rigid engagement with the handle is a barrel positioned in the outer housing. A key cylinder is in relative movable engagement with the barrel. The key cylinder is rotatable by a key between locked and unlocked positions in which rotation of the handle is, respectively, inhibited and enabled. A latching member is in movable engagement with the barrel so that rotation of the barrel by the handle induces movement of the latching member to latch and unlatch an access structure of a container. An engaging member is in movable engagement with the key cylinder so that rotation of the key cylinder induces movement of the engaging member between an engaged position where the handle is locked to the outer housing to inhibit rotation of the handle and an unengaged position where rotation of the handle is not inhibited.

Abstract: An assembly method for a vehicle anti-theft key having an embedded resistor pellet is provided. The resistor pellet includes a flange at one end which abuts one side of the key blade when the opposed end of the pellet is inserted into a through opening formed in the shank portion of the key blade. With the resistor pellet loosely positioned within the through opening, a second flange is attached to the end of the pellet that was inserted through the through opening, thereby capturing the pellet within the through opening by the two opposed flanges. In one embodiment, the second flange is formed in place by employing a polymeric molding process, such as a thermoforming injection molding process. A handle for the key is efficiently formed substantially simultaneously with the second flange using the same polymeric molding process.

Abstract: A modular Fibre Channel switch includes a data switching path and a message switching path to provide logical point to point connections between switch ports. The data switching path includes a bank of shared SRAM memory devices that are accessed in a time-sliced protocol by each switch port. A receiving switch port writes a data frame to the bank of shared SRAM and the transmitting switch port then reads the data frame from the shared SRAM thereby effecting the logical point to point connection. Because the switch port includes a frame logic circuit that allows for an arbitrary start of frame address, each frame can be written to the first available DRAM device thus eliminating the need to buffer the data frame while waiting for a predetermined DRAM device to cycle in the time sliced protocol. The message switching path includes a message crossbar switch that is barrel shifted in a time sliced fashion to effect message passing among the switch ports.

Abstract: A link level flow control technique implements a “pull frame” transmission model in a Fibre Channel network. In one embodiment, frames remain in a first Fibre Channel device until they are requested by a second Fibre Channel device, wherein the second Fibre Channel device does not issue a request unless conditions are such that it can immediately transmit the frame toward its target destination. In another embodiment, a Fibre Channel device provides hardware messaging capability to support the pull model. In yet another embodiment, multiple Fibre Channel devices in accordance with the invention may be coupled to provide high port-count Fibre Channel switches.

Abstract: The design of a vehicle anti-theft key with transponder enhances manufacturability and protects the transponder from damage due to mechanical shock. The key includes a shank, a transponder, a shuttle, and a head. A transponder recess formed in the shuttle is sized to tightly receive the transponder, and a shank recess formed in the shuttle is configured to receive one end of the key shank. The key is assembled by inserting the transponder in the transponder recess and the key shank in the shank recess. A key head is then positioned about the shuttle, transponder, and shank end, preferably by means of a polymeric molding process. The transponder recess and shank recess are configured to ensure proper positioning of the transponder and key shank in their respective recesses.