Abstract: A mechanism is provided for altering access to a network. A virtual I/O server controller in a virtual I/O server operating system receives an indication that an identified communications adapter requires attention. The virtual I/O server controller issues a set of calls to a set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters coupled to the identified communications adapter. Each of the set of calls indicates to each of the set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters a request to move a set of clients from their assigned port on the identified communications adapter to an available port on a failover communications adapter. The set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters moves the set of clients from the identified communications adapter to the failover communications adapter.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for balancing I/O among available paths connected to a device. The mechanism partitions paths so a device can use all or only a subset of available paths to a device, depending on the load of I/O for other devices that are sharing the paths. The partitioning of paths is dynamic, readjusting as I/O loads change for the devices.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer usable program product for an improved data storage device driver are provided in the illustrative embodiments. For managing an elevator queue, several requests are stored in the elevator queue. A determination is made whether the elevator queue is sorted. A number of requests in the elevator queue is determined if the elevator queue is unsorted. The unsorted elevator queue is monitored. Reaching a threshold condition in the unsorted elevator queue is detected. Sorting of the unsorted elevator queue is initiated. The requests may be I/O requests for a data storage device. The elevator queue may be sorted according to an ascending or descending order of data block addresses in the requests. The monitoring may monitor a remaining number of unsorted requests in the elevator queue as requests are removed from the elevator queue. The threshold condition may be associated with a threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer implemented method and apparatus for queuing I/O requests to a pending queue. The I/O device driver sets a maximum ordered queue length for an I/O device driver coupled to a storage device then receives an I/O request from an application. The I/O device driver determines whether the pending queue is sorted and responds to a determination that the pending queue is sorted, determining if queued I/O requests exceed the maximum ordered queue length. Responding to a determination that the pending queue exceeds the maximum ordered queue length, the I/O device driver adds the I/O request based on a high pointer, and points the high pointer to the I/O request.

Abstract: Embodiments that dynamically manage physical and virtual multipath I/O are contemplated. Various embodiments comprise one or more computing devices, such as one or more servers, having at least two HBAs. At least one of the HBAs may be associated with a virtual I/O server that employs the HBA to transfer data between a plurality of virtual clients and one or more storage devices of a storage area network. The embodiments may monitor the availability of the HBAs, such as monitoring the HBAs for a failure of the HBA or a device coupled to the HBA. Upon detecting the unavailability of one of the HBAs, the embodiments may switch, dynamically, from the I/O path associated with the unavailable HBA to the alternate HBA.

Abstract: A system and method for migrating a client partition between computer electronic complexes (CECs) while maintaining access to a Storage Area Network. An active and inactive world wide port name are generated for a client virtual channel adapter. A query is sent to a name server from the VIOS on the source CEC. The name server creates a list of small computer system interface (SCSI) targets that are available. The list is used by the VIOS on the destination CEC to verify whether any physical ports in the destination CEC have access to the same SCSI target. The client partition may be migrated between a source CEC and a destination CEC and the access to the Storage Area Network access may be maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for balancing I/O among available paths connected to a device. The mechanism partitions paths so a device can use all or only a subset of available paths to a device, depending on the load of I/O for other devices that are sharing the paths. The partitioning of paths is dynamic, readjusting as I/O loads change for the devices.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for balancing I/O among available paths connected to a device. The mechanism partitions paths so a device can use all or only a subset of available paths to a device, depending on the load of I/O for other devices that are sharing the paths. The partitioning of paths is dynamic, readjusting as I/O loads change for the devices.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for negotiating parameters for an IPSec connection between a requesting client and an iSCSI system using a computer system other than an iSCSI system are provided. By design, the iSCSI system monitors TCP (Transmission Control protocol) port 500 for secure requests. When a request enters port 500, the iSCSI system transmits all information received on port 500 to a computer system better suited to handle IPSec parameter negotiations. After the computer system has negotiated the parameters, the parameters are passed to the iSCSI system for a secure data transaction to ensue.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a Fibre Channel adapter is disclosed. When a close request is received by the Fibre Channel adapter, the adapter is set to a quasi-open state. In a quasi-open state, the adapter keeps the link to the Fibre Channel network open, releases extended resources, and maintains minimal resources in order to keep the link open. When a request is received by the adapter while in a quasi-open state, the request is rejected thereby preventing other devices from logging into the quasi-opened device and informing other devices that the quasi-opened device is not currently communicating across the Fibre Channel network. An information handling system and a computer program product for implementing the Fibre Channel adapter quasi-open state are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely waking up a Fibre Channel attached device. A Fibre Channel attached device is set in a quasi-open mode wherein the device summarily rejects most requests and allocates a minimal set of resources to operate the adapter. One request that is not rejected is an activation request received from another Fibre Channel attached device. When an activation request is received, an optional authentication process can be invoked to insure that only authenticated devices issue the activation command. An additional security feature can be used to restrict the devices authorized to activate a device. A list of devices can be stored on nonvolatile storage or in memory. When a requesting device has been authenticated, its address is checked against the list of approved devices before the device adapter is activated.

Abstract: In traditional Fiber Channel systems, remote devices connected to the Fiber Channel network using a bridge or included in a storage enclosure are not tracked. If a remote device, such as a SCSI disk device, is removed or swapped, data errors such as data corruption can result. A device identifier corresponding to the remote device is obtained from the remote device. The device identifier may include the remote device's serial number and other identifying information pertaining to the device. The first time the remote device is used, the device identifier is obtained and stored by the Fiber Channel device using the remote device. This device identifier is compared with subsequently obtained identifiers. If the identifiers match, communication with the remote device occurs. However, if the identifiers do not match, an error condition is raised indicating that the remote device has been removed or swapped.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering from a failure in a clustered environment sharing a common nonvolatile storage device. The first computer reserves the device by identifying itself in a reservation key associated with the device. The first device sends a signal to one or more backup computers informing the backup computers that the first computer is operational. When the first computer fails to operate, one of the backup computers breaks the first computer's reservation to the storage device and writes a new reservation key to the reservation storage area identifying the backup computer as the reservation holder of the storage device. When the first computer is reinitialized, it reads the reservation storage area and does not attempt to break the reservation made by the backup computer. One embodiment provides for the first computer to request control from the backup computer upon being reinitialized whereupon the backup computer releases its reservation and relinquishes control.

Abstract: In traditional Fibre Channel systems, remote devices connected to the Fibre Channel network using a bridge or included in a storage enclosure are not tracked. A device identifier corresponding to the remote device is obtained from the remote device. The device identifier may include the remote device's serial number and other identifying information pertaining to the device. The remote device's vendor and product identifiers are retrieved and matched against a table of known vendor/product identifiers. If the match is successful, a predefined routine is located based on the match. The predefined routine is repeatedly used to retrieve the device identifier from the remote device. Communication with the remote device continues while the device identifier matches a previously stored device identifier corresponding to the device. When the device identifier no longer matches, an error occurs indicating that the remote device has been removed or swapped.

Abstract: A GPS device is used in conjunction with a device, such as a SAN device, to record and track the device's location. A device can periodically report its location to one or more computer systems that track device locations. Another device can send a request to other devices requesting the devices' geographic location. The devices, in turn, respond with data corresponding to their geographic location. In the event of a catastrophe or other event rendering devices in one area inoperable, one of the computer systems can be used to identify a location of another device that includes similar data. The GPS data corresponding to a device can also be used to identify a technician that should respond to a device maintenance or repair event.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for negotiating parameters for an IPSec connection between a requesting client and an iSCSI system using a computer system other than an iSCSI system are provided. By design, the iSCSI system monitors TCP (Transmission Control protocol) port 500 for secure requests. When a request enters port 500, the iSCSI system transmits all information received on port 500 to a computer system better suited to handle IPSec parameter negotiations. After the computer system has negotiated the parameters, the parameters are passed to the iSCSI system for a secure data transaction to ensue.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product applicable within a server for adaptively allocating target resources in a network environment. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a storage name server triggers a forced target rediscovery evolution during competing sessions in which multiple initiator nodes are communicatively connected to a target node utilizing an associated network target address.

Abstract: A GPS device is used in conjunction with a device, such as a SAN device, to record and track the device's location. A device can periodically report its location to one or more computer systems that track device locations. Another device can send a request to other devices requesting the devices' geographic location. The devices, in turn, respond with data corresponding to their geographic location. In the event of a catastrophe or other event rendering devices in one area inoperable, one of the computer systems can be used to identify a location of another device that includes similar data. The GPS data corresponding to a device can also be used to identify a technician that should respond to a device maintenance or repair event.

Abstract: In traditional Fibre Channel systems, remote devices connected to the Fibre Channel network using a bridge or included in a storage enclosure are not tracked. A device identifier corresponding to the remote device is obtained from the remote device. The device identifier may include the remote device's serial number and other identifying information pertaining to the device. The remote device's vendor and product identifiers are retrieved and matched against a table of known vendor/product identifiers. If the match is successful, a predefined routine is located based on the match. The predefined routine is repeatedly used to retrieve the device identifier from the remote device. Communication with the remote device continues while the device identifier matches a previously stored device identifier corresponding to the device. When the device identifier no longer matches, an error occurs indicating that the remote device has been removed or swapped.