Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the configuration, management, and distribution of quality of service information in a fibre channel fabric using zoning mechanisms. Configuration of Quality of Service (QoS) information is made easy by using zones as a classifier for flows. QoS information is included in zone objects, thereby using the existing zone distribution mechanism to distribute QoS information. Devices not part of any zones are placed automatically in the default zone with a default QoS priority level. QoS information for a particular packet is available as soon as the zoning information is obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a device and a method for more efficiently processing Ethernet communications that include FCOE communications. In some embodiments the device is a single device including a combination of an aggregator, a filter and a gateway. Such a combination can be more practical, affordable and efficient than the usual arrangement of a several separate devices. In other embodiments, the device of the present invention can be a combination of a switch and a gateway. In yet other embodiments other types of devices can be used. More generally, embodiments of the present invention can apply to a device or method for processing communications involving a set of two network protocols (first and second protocols) as well as a third protocol, the third protocol being compatible with the first protocol and used to define how to tunnel the second protocol over the first protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the configuration, management, and distribution of quality of service information in a fibre channel fabric using zoning mechanisms. Configuration of Quality of Service (QoS) information is made easy by using zones as a classifier for flows. QoS information is included in zone objects, thereby using the existing zone distribution mechanism to distribute QoS information. Devices not part of any zones are placed automatically in the default zone with a default QoS priority level. QoS information for a particular packet is available as soon as the zoning information is obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a device and a method for more efficiently processing Ethernet communications that include FCOE communications. In some embodiments the device is a single device including a combination of an aggregator, a filter and a gateway. Such a combination can be more practical, affordable and efficient than the usual arrangement of a several separate devices. In other embodiments, the device of the present invention can be a combination of a switch and a gateway. In yet other embodiments other types of devices can be used. More generally, embodiments of the present invention can apply to a device or method for processing communications involving a set of two network protocols (first and second protocols) as well as a third protocol, the third protocol being compatible with the first protocol and used to define how to tunnel the second protocol over the first protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the configuration, management, and distribution of quality of service information in a fibre channel fabric using zoning mechanisms. Configuration of Quality of Service (QoS) information is made easy by using zones as a classifier for flows. QoS information is included in zone objects, thereby using the existing zone distribution mechanism to distribute QoS information. Devices not part of any zones are placed automatically in the default zone with a default QoS priority level. QoS information for a particular packet is available as soon as the zoning information is obtained.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus that enforce zoning rules by separately employing source and destination information. In certain embodiments, information uniquely identifying network destinations is provided on a destination CAM. In these embodiments, each destination identified in the destination CAM has an associated zoning decision vector provided in a results memory. The vector provides specific zoning decisions (permit or deny transmission) for specific sources on the network. The specific zoning decision to be applied to a frame under consideration is selected from a zoning decision vector by using source information taken from the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the configuration, management, and distribution of quality of service information in a fibre channel fabric using zoning mechanisms. Configuration of Quality of Service (QoS) information is made easy by using zones as a classifier for flows. QoS information is included in zone objects, thereby using the existing zone distribution mechanism to distribute QoS information. Devices not part of any zones are placed automatically in the default zone with a default QoS priority level. QoS information for a particular packet is available as soon as the zoning information is obtained.