Abstract: Methods and structure for integrating storage caching and network routing features within a single network appliance. One feature hereof provides routing features in a TCP/IP network in combination with block oriented storage caching features. Another feature hereof provides that the caching router may coalesce smaller requests into fewer, larger requests. Such features are particularly useful in iSCSI storage network applications in which low layer block oriented SCSI commands and responses are exchanged over TCP/IP network communication media.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for improving scalability of a storage system. In one embodiment, a storage system comprising a stand-alone storage element that is reconfigurable to improve storage performance features of the storage system. The storage element comprises a plurality of disk drives, each configured for storing data. The storage element also comprises a storage controller communicatively adapted for coupling to a host computer system and configured for processing I/O requests received from the host computer system. The storage controller is also adaptable to interface with another storage controller added to the storage system. When adapted to communicate with the other storage controller, the storage controller of the stand-alone storage element can route the I/O requests to the other storage controller through a switching fabric.

Abstract: Structure, system, apparatus, method, and computer program for managing and configuring a computer storage system and which are well suited for managing and configuring array controllers in a storage subsystem by mapping the topology and connectivity of all servers, storage devices, and storage device controllers within the storage subsystem, based on unique identifiers especially WWN identifiers. A method for collecting connection information for a computer system having a server, at least one device controller coupled to the server, and a client coupled with the server. The method includes querying the server to identify host bus adapters coupled to it, querying each host bus adapter to identify attached device controllers, issuing a read connection information command to the device controller and returning the connection results including identifying devices coupled to the device controller, and storing the returned connection results in a data structure.