Abstract: The present invention achieves load balancing of activities on storage entities, operating in a storage area network (SAN) by assignment of address to each storage entity. The storage traffic is monitored and statistics are accumulated over an interval and then used to obtain the traffic pattern of each host-storage entity link. A statistical analysis is used to determine the optimal routing map from hosts to storage entity. Other heuristics including genetic algorithms many also be used. This mapping is set on the network by assigning the entities' addresses to the storage gateways, thus does not impose any process on the hosts or the disks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for securing stored data in an IP based storage area network (SAN), where the physical storage media is located in an unprotected site. The connection between the client and the unprotected site is established over a public or private IP network preferably by means of an iSCSI protocol. According to the present invention a data block to be saved in a remote site is encrypted at the initiator host using a private encryption key and an encrypt key. The private encryption key is saved in a key management table which is shared among other hosts that may access the encrypted data block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable multi-compartment cup that comprises at least two compartments having an upper portion that is connected through a partition wall and separated lower portions. The stackable multi-compartment cup is further provided with a lid provided with a recess adapted to seal the cup as well as the compartments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for securing stored data in an IP based storage area network (SAN), where the physical storage media is located in an unprotected site. The connection between the client and the unprotected site is established over a public or private IP network preferably by means of an iSCSI protocol. According to the present invention a data block to be saved in a remote site is encrypted at the initiator host using a private encryption key and an encrypt key. The private encryption key is saved in a key management table which is shared among other hosts that may access the encrypted data block.

Abstract: A communications system is described having a number of communicating units arranged for communication over a common communications channel. A first communicating unit (10) transmits a data transmission (104) followed by an end-of-data indication (102) and a predetermined period of further transmission activity (101) to a second communicating unit (12). During the period of further transmission activity (101) of the first unit, the second unit seizes the channel (103) and transmits a preamble (105) prior to its response data. This process continue ensuring that periods of further transmission activity (101) and the preamble (105) keep the channel open for the duration of the communication, for sole use by the communicating units. The invention is applicable to, but not limited to use in supervisory control and acquisition-of-data (SCADA) systems.