Abstract: A host bus adapter for interconnecting a computer system to a storage area network has an embedded processor for processing frames. When frames are received by the processor, it inspects frames for encapsulated write requests and, if encapsulated write request frames are found, de-encapsulates the write request and forwards the write request to a target node of the write request.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies associated with providing additional functionality to a conventional SAS expander are described. One exemplary SAS expander embodiment includes logic for selectively performing source identifier checking for frames received at the SAS expander. The logic may also facilitate selectively performing explicit route checking for frames received at the SAS expander. In one example, the logic may also facilitate selectively providing VLAN-like services to devices connected to the SAS expander.

Abstract: A system includes plural storage subsystems each having a controller and an expander to couple to storage devices. The controller accesses the storage devices through the expander, and the expander has interfaces for coupling to the storage devices. The system further includes an intercontroller link to connect expanders in two storage subsystems to enable the controller in one of the storage subsystems to communicate with the controller in another one of the storage subsystems through the expanders and the intercontroller link.

Abstract: A multi-port adapter and method of operation suitable for use with serial ATA devices is disclosed. An adapter includes a switch that receives input from multiple host devices and an arbiter module for assigning a priority scheme to received commands. An outstanding request table is implemented as a memory module for storing identifying information associated with commands received from multiple host devices, and a free pointers queue is maintained to track slots available in the outstanding request table. A command tracker state machine decodes incoming requests from hosts, monitors the execution by these commands by the ATA device, and updates the memory module to reflect completion of commands. Also disclosed is a storage system including an adapter of the present invention and ATA storage devices.

Abstract: A system includes plural storage subsystems each having a controller and an expander to couple to storage devices. The controller accesses the storage devices through the expander, and the expander has interfaces for coupling to the storage devices. The system further includes an intercontroller link to connect expanders in two storage subsystems to enable the controller in one of the storage subsystems to communicate with the controller in another one of the storage subsystems through the expanders and the intercontroller link.

Abstract: A host bus adapter for interconnecting a computer system to a storage area network has an embedded processor for processing frames. When frames are received by the processor, it inspects frames for encapsulated write requests and, if encapsulated write request frames are found, de-encapsulates the write request and forwards the write request to a target node of the write request.

Abstract: A host bus adapter for interconnecting a computer system to a storage area network has an embedded processor for processing frames. When frames are received by the processor, it inspects frames for encapsulated write requests and, if encapsulated write request frames are found, de-encapsulates the write request and forwards the write request to a target node of the write request.

Abstract: A multi-port adapter and method of operation suitable for use with serial ATA devices is disclosed. An adapter includes a switch that receives input from multiple host devices and an arbiter module for assigning a priority scheme to received commands. An outstanding request table is implemented as a memory module for storing identifying information associated with commands received from multiple host devices, and a free pointers queue is maintained to track slots available in the outstanding request table. A command tracker state machine decodes incoming requests from hosts, monitors the execution by these commands by the ATA device, and updates the memory module to reflect completion of commands. Also disclosed is a storage system including an adapter of the present invention and ATA storage devices.