Abstract: Methods and structure for providing methods and structure for recovering errors in a hardware controller after an overwrite event, such as the detection of another error. In this regard, a link layer of the hardware controller is configured with a register that persistently stores errors until a processor can address them. The link layer is adapted to establish a connection between an initiator and a target and detect errors associated with the connection. As each detected error is overwritten by a subsequently detected error, the link layer register persistently stores the detected errors associated with the connection for recovery after the detected error has been overwritten in the link layer at least until the error can be handled.

Abstract: A method for detecting a failure in a serial topology. The method may comprise sending a predetermined pattern to a plurality of devices communicatively connected to an initiator in a serial topology; receiving a return result from each of the plurality of devices in response to the predetermined pattern; recognizing a problem associated with a particular device among the plurality of devices, the problem being recognized based on the return result from the particular device; sending a plurality of test patterns to the particular device; receiving a plurality of test results from the particular device in response to the plurality of test patterns; and determining a cause of the problem based on the plurality of test results, the cause of the problem being at least one of: a cable failure and a device failure.

Abstract: Methods and structure for providing methods and structure for recovering errors in a hardware controller after an overwrite event, such as the detection of another error. In this regard, a link layer of the hardware controller is configured with a register that persistently stores errors until a processor can address them. The link layer is adapted to establish a connection between an initiator and a target and detect errors associated with the connection. As each detected error is overwritten by a subsequently detected error, the link layer register persistently stores the detected errors associated with the connection for recovery after the detected error has been overwritten in the link layer at least until the error can be handled.

Abstract: A method for detecting a failure in a serial topology. The method may comprise sending a predetermined pattern to a plurality of devices communicatively connected to an initiator in a serial topology; receiving a return result from each of the plurality of devices in response to the predetermined pattern; recognizing a problem associated with a particular device among the plurality of devices, the problem being recognized based on the return result from the particular device; sending a plurality of test patterns to the particular device; receiving a plurality of test results from the particular device in response to the plurality of test patterns; and determining a cause of the problem based on the plurality of test results, the cause of the problem being at least one of: a cable failure and a device failure.