Abstract: There is provided a method for managing a Local Area Network (LAN) having at least one video server in signal communication with a plurality of clients. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes providing a lossless Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) fabric within the LAN. The method further includes providing a shared file system on the at least one video server. Moreover, the method includes deterministically managing isochronous access to the shared file system on the at least one video server by the plurality of clients, over the VLAN fabric, utilizing at least one Internet Small Computer System Interface (ISCSI) block protocol, to provide lossless delivery of video applications from the at least one video server to any of the plurality of clients without invoking TCP error recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A media area network includes a storage system having at least one storage device for storing digitized information. A host bus adapter provides a link between the storage system and a host system that provides overall control of the media area network. Within the host bus adapter, a lower-level port driver monitors communications between the storage system and the host bus adapter. In the event of a communications failure, the lower-level port driver initiates switching from a failed port to an alternative port, thereby achieving fail-over recovery. Allocating the responsibility for fail-over recovery to the lower-level port driver assures timely handling of port failures, thereby reducing potential latency delays.