Abstract: A network storage system is provided. A storage server system can comprise at least two data storage servers. Each server can comprise a network interface operable to transmit/receive communications to/from a network infrastructure; at least one data storage device; a processor operable to receive, from said network interface; an iSCSI network command and generate, to carry out said iSCSI network command, one or more device specific commands for said at least one data storage device. Each server can further comprise a host computer containing a host network interface operable to transmit/receive network communications; and a host processor operable to receive a storage command; determine if said at least two data storage servers are needed; generate one or more iSCSI network commands; and transmit said one or more iSCSI network commands to each of said at least two data storage servers using said host network interface.

Abstract: A network storage system is provided. A storage server system can comprise at least two data storage servers. Each server can comprise a network interface operable to transmit/receive communications to/from a network infrastructure; at least one data storage device; a processor operable to receive, from said network interface; an iSCSI network command and generate, to carry out said iSCSI network command, one or more device specific commands for said at least one data storage device. Each server can further comprise a host computer containing a host network interface operable to transmit/receive network communications; and a host processor operable to receive a storage command; determine if said at least two data storage servers are needed; generate one or more iSCSI network commands; and transmit said one or more iSCSI network commands to each of said at least two data storage servers using said host network interface.

Abstract: A distributed network storage system provides capability to send and receive storage information from multiple network storage servers in a storage area network using iSCSI commands. A storage server system comprising at least two data storage servers stores one or more logical volumes of data. A host computer receives a storage command from a host application, and determines one or more data storage servers has information to complete the storage command. The host computer generates one or more iSCSI network commands to carry out the storage command, and transmits the iSCSI network commands directly to each data storage server having necessary information. The storage servers receive iSCSI network commands, and return a response to the host. The host and storage servers verify the configuration of the storage network and are capable of correcting or updating the configuration as required.

Abstract: A distributed network storage system provides capability to send and receive storage information from multiple network storage servers in a storage area network using iSCSI commands. A storage server system comprising at least two data storage servers stores one or more logical volumes of data. A host computer receives a storage command from a host application, and determines one or more data storage servers has information to complete the storage command. The host computer generates one or more iSCSI network commands to carry out the storage command, and transmits the iSCSI network commands directly to each data storage server having necessary information. The storage servers receive iSCSI network commands, and return a response to the host. The host and storage servers verify the configuration of the storage network and are capable of correcting or updating the configuration as required.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to transfer data between a initiating computer system and a target computer system with a block data storage device, where the target computer system is remote relative to the initiating computer system, that is interface independent relative to the type of the block data storage device employed. In one embodiment, a virtual device driver is employed that implements a command set that is interface independent relative to the block data storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to transfer data between a initiating computer system and a target computer system with a block data storage device, where the target computer system is remote relative to the initiating computer system, that is interface independent relative to the type of the block data storage device employed. In one embodiment, a virtual device driver is employed that implements a command set that is interface independent relative to the block data storage device.