Abstract: A processing unit is configured to establish a driver relationship between a network interface driver and a network interface device, the network interface device being configured to carry out multiple functions through the operating system. The processing unit is also configured to associate the network interface driver with a first driver of the operating system to provide a first function pathway between the network interface device and the first driver of the operating system through the network interface driver. The processing unit is also configured to associate the network interface driver with a second driver of the operating system to provide a second function pathway between the network interface device and the second driver of the operating system through the network interface driver. The first function pathway and the second function pathway allow the network interface device to carry out the multiple functions through the operating system.

Abstract: An automated, computer-implemented method to configure a data storage system comprising a host computer, a storage controller in communication with said host computer, and a plurality of data storage media in communication with said storage controller, wherein the method provides a configuration algorithm encoded as computer readable program code, and executes that computer readable program code. The configuration algorithm creates a command procedure comprising a plurality of physical configuration commands to establish a physical configuration for the data storage system. The configuration algorithm further creates a command procedure comprising a plurality of logical configuration commands to establish a logical configuration for the data storage system.

Abstract: A storage networking device provides remote direct memory access to its buffer memory, configured to store storage networking data. The storage networking device may be particularly adapted to transmit and receive iSCSI data, such as iSCSI input/output operations. The storage networking device comprises a controller and a buffer memory. The controller manages the receipt of storage networking data and buffer locational data. The storage networking data advantageously includes at least one command for at least partially controlling a device attached to a storage network. Advantageously, the storage networking data may be transmitted using a protocol adapted for the transmission of storage networking data, such as, for example, the iSCSI protocol. The buffer memory advantageously is configured to at least temporarily store at least part of the storage networking data at a location within the buffer memory that is based at least in part on the locational data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an integrated circuit implementing a storage-shelf router, used in combination with path controller cards and optionally with other storage-shelf routers, to interconnect SATA disks within a storage shelf or disk array to a high-bandwidth communications medium, such as an FC arbitrated loop. When two, four, six, or eight or more storage-shelf routers are used within a storage shelf, and the interconnections between the storage-shelf routers, disk drives, and external communications media are properly designed and configured, the resulting storage shelf constitutes a discrete, highly-available component that may be included in a disk array or in other types of electronic devices. The storage-shelf router features a disk-drive adaptation layer that allows a storage-shelf router to interface to, and manage, any of many different types of disk drives. The disk-drive adaptation layer includes a disk-profile table and associated firmware logic.

Abstract: Data processing and an accelerator system therefor are described. An embodiment relates generally to a data processing system. In such an embodiment, a bus and an accelerator are coupled to one another. The accelerator has an application function block. The application function block is to process data to provide processed data to storage. A network interface is coupled to obtain the processed data from the storage for transmission.

Abstract: Data processing and an accelerator system therefore are described. An embodiment relates generally to a data processing system. In such an embodiment, a bus and an accelerator are coupled to one another. The accelerator has an application function block. The application function block is to process data to provide processed data to storage. A network interface is coupled to obtain the processed data from the storage for transmission.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program accesses a USB memory in accordance with a request from a PC on a network using a USB host interface, a USB device interface, a network interface, a network manager which inputs, via the network interface, a file access command which requests access to a memory card connected to the USB host interface, a memory manager which inputs the file access command generated inside an apparatus, a file access controller which performs exclusive access control between the file access commands input by the network and memory managers, a SCSI analyzer which converts the file access command selected by the file access controller into a SCSI command, and a memory card access controller which performs exclusive access control between the SCSI command generated by the conversion, and a SCSI command input via the USB device interface and requests access to the memory card.

Abstract: Methods and systems for simplification of the re-discovery process for initiators due to changes in the network. If an initiator subscribes to change reports from a SAS expander, when that SAS expander detects a change in the network, it sends an SMP command back to the initiator, indicating the specific change in the network. Initiator BCN management and re-discovery of the entire network is therefore avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for handling an operation system kernel-provided command via a software-based device driver. The method includes receiving the operation system kernel-provided command from an operation system kernel. The method further includes determining if a kernel virtual address is required for responding to the command. The method further includes initiating a Direct Memory Access (DMA) operation for providing data to the operating system kernel in response to the command when a kernel virtual address is not required for responding to the command. The method further includes allocating a device driver buffer with a DMA address and a virtual address when a kernel virtual address is required for responding to the command.

Abstract: A method of direct access by a virtual machine (VM) running on a host machine to physical storage via a virtual function (VF) running on an input/output (IO) adapter comprising: providing by a virtualization intermediary running on the host machine an indication of an active path associated with a virtual storage device; obtaining by a guest driver running within a guest operating system of the VM the stored indication of the active path from the shared memory region; dispatching an IO request by the guest driver to the VF that includes an indication of the active path; and sending by the VF an IO request that includes the indicated active path.

Abstract: An I/O device is provided for use in a process control system having a controller operating under a particular version of communication software. The I/O device has a storage device for storing a plurality of potential versions of I/O communication software. An I/O device processor determines the particular version of I/O communication software utilized by the controller and configures the I/O device to operate using a compatible version of I/O communication software stored in the storage device. Further, an I/O device is provided for use in a process control system including a plurality of I/O devices and a controller in communication using a bus. The I/O device has an interface for communicatively linking the I/O device with the bus, where a device processor, upon detection of a potential I/O device fault, severs the communication link provided by the interface with the bus. Additionally, a process control system is provided having a plurality of I/O devices in communication using a bus.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product to transfer data between two application data structures by copying a data gather scatter program (DGSP) from an exporting process address space where a first data structure is located, to a location in shared memory visible to an importing process address space; assembling a parameter set identifying the data structure; starting a data gather scatter-redistribution machine (DGS-RM) in an importing process space where a second application data structure is located; passing the first parameter set, the DGSP copy, and a second parameter set identifying a second application data structure and a second DGSP to the DGS-RM; and creating master and worker stack machines. The master stack machine identifies a contiguous chunk of the first data structure.

Abstract: A data storage enclosure management system of a plurality of service processors is configured to communicate externally via a pair of FC-AL loops. Lead and subsidiary service processors are defined and lead service processors connect to ones of the FC-AL loops with an FC-AL address, and the lead and subsidiary service processors are connected by a secondary communication link. The lead service processor(s) employ an identifier unassociated with the FC-AL address to differentiate communications of the lead service processor from communications of an associated subsidiary service processor, the lead service processor serving as a proxy for the associated subsidiary service processor with respect to the FC-AL address and communicating with the associated subsidiary service processor via the secondary communication link.

Abstract: The present invention defines a new protocol for communicating with an offload engine that provides Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) termination over a Fibre Channel (“FC”) fabric. The offload engine terminates all protocols up to and including TCP and performs the processing associated with those layers. The offload protocol guarantees delivery and is encapsulated within FCP-formatted frames. Thus, the TCP streams are reliably passed to the host. Additionally, using this scheme, the offload engine can provide parsing of the TCP stream to further assist the host. The present invention also provides network devices (and components thereof) that are configured to perform the foregoing methods. The invention further defines how network attached storage (“NAS”) protocol data units (“PDUs”) are parsed and delivered.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operational status of a hard disk drive in an external data storage assembly is provided. The hard disk drive supports S.M.A.R.T., and the external data storage assembly includes the hard disk drive, a connection interface coupled to a computer host, and an interface bridge interconnecting the connection interface and the hard disk drive. The method includes: (A) when an OS of the computer host identifies the external data storage assembly, enabling the computer host to send a SCSI read command to the connection interface of the external data storage assembly; and (B) enabling the interface bridge to relay the SCSI read command from the connection interface to the hard disk drive such that the hard disk drive transmits S.M.A.R.T. information to the computer host through the interface bridge and the connection interface according to the SCSI read command.

Abstract: A system and method for storing encrypted electronic data using a transmission Control Protocol (TCP), requires leaving both the header and the first 48 bytes of the “0” data packet in the data area of the TCP format in clear text. Consequently, the data can be routed to a main address (storage facility), and then to a sub-address (storage device) for storage. A single compression/encryption operation can be accomplished, before storage, at the host (server), the network switch, or the final storage device.

Abstract: The persistent binding of STP SAS addresses to SATA devices is disclosed so that SATA devices can be moved to different insertion points (ports) within a SAS expander and still properly receive I/O requests. When a SATA device is inserted into the SAS expander, it is interrogated to obtain information about the attached device. This information may be combined using a hashing function to obtain a unique ID for the SATA device. A table can be used to assign a STP SAS address to the Phy connected to the device based in the unique ID. In this manner, the same STP SAS address will be assigned to the Phy connected to a particular SATA device, regardless of where the device is connected to the SAS expander.

Abstract: A first managing software component for a first data transmission protocol and a first portion of a first utilization software component for the first data transmission protocol are loaded on a computer system. The inclusion of the first managing software component for the first data transmission protocol is verified. A second managing software component for a second data transmission protocol and a first portion of a second utilization software component for the second data transmission protocol is loaded. The inclusion of the second managing software component for the second data transmission protocol is verified. A usable protocol combination is identified including at least the first data transmission protocol and the second data transmission protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for traversing a firewall between an Intranet and the Internet without the use of a proxy server is provided. Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) streaming over a firewall is provided by tunneling iSCSI over Hypertext Transport Protocol (Security) (HTTP(S)).

Abstract: A system and method is described for connecting a logic circuit simulation to a hardware peripheral that includes a computer running software for communicating data to and from the hardware peripheral. The software transmits the data received from the hardware peripheral to the device being simulated by the logic circuit simulation. The computer also transmits the data received from the device being simulated by the electronic circuit simulation to the hardware peripheral. This allows the user to test the device being simulated using real hardware for input and output instead of simulated hardware.

Abstract: A network storage monitor system includes a device driver running on each of at least one first computer and a monitor application running on a second computer in communication with the each first computer. Each first computer also is in communication with a network storage switch and the network storage switch is in communication with at least one storage device. Each device driver sends to the second computer data regarding a storage event when the storage event is initiated by the respective first computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the safe shut down of an operating system. The invention utilizes a shutdown-monitoring program that is running in an initiator operating system to periodically transmit and pass-through SCSI command to a SCSI target to determine if a shutdown operations is to be performed upon the operating system. In response to the SCSI command the SCSI target returns data back to the initiator operating system, wherein the shutdown-monitoring program analyzes the data. In the event that the shutdown-monitoring program determines that the operating system is to be shut down, then an operating system shutdown is initiated using at least one appropriate API that is provided by the operating system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for communication between an initiator system and a block storage cluster. The method may comprise receiving an initial data request from the initiator system to a first storage system, a portion of the data requested in the initial data request is not stored by the first storage system, but is stored by a second storage system; retrieving the portion of the data that is stored by the second storage system; forwarding the portion of the data to the initiator system; and transmitting a referral list comprising at least one referral from the first storage system to the initiator system, wherein the initiator system is configured for maintaining a referral cache based on the referral list, and a subsequent data request initiated by the initiator system is directed to the block storage cluster based on the referral cache.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for communication between an initiator system and a block storage cluster. The method may comprise receiving a first referral response from a first storage system included in a plurality of storage systems of the block storage cluster, the first referral response providing information for directing the initiator system to a second storage system included in the plurality of storage systems of the block storage cluster; obtaining a starting logical block address (LBA) and a corresponding port identifier based on the first referral response; storing the starting LBA and the corresponding port identifier in a referral cache accessible to the initiator system; and directing an input/output (I/O) request from the initiator system to the block storage cluster based on the starting LBA and the corresponding port identifier stored in the referral cache.

Abstract: A method of transferring data from a virtual machine (VM) to a storage virtual appliance (SVA) is disclosed. In this method, the data is transferred to an iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) device that is coupled to the VM and has a zero copy data mover implementation of a TCP socket interface. The method further includes sending a memory address of the data to the SVA. The SVA includes an iSCSI device having a zero copy data mover implementation of a TCP socket interface to receive the memory address of the data. The VM and the SVA are running in a same hypervisor host.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reading data are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a data storage device includes a host interface that is adapted to couple the data storage device to a host. The host includes memory that is addressable by a host memory address space. The data storage device also includes a device address space that is independent from the host memory address space. The device address space includes a first address region and a second address region, where the second address region is distinct from the first address region. The data storage device also includes a non-volatile memory array and a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory array and further coupled to a mapped device. The controller is adapted to, in response to a first request from the host for access to the first address region of the device address space, perform a memory access operation at the non-volatile memory array.

Abstract: A network device for accelerating internet small computer systems interface (iSCSI) packet processing is described, which includes a host and a network card. The host includes an online command descriptor block queue, an iSCSI host manager, and an SCSI module. SCSI commands in a CDB are processed through these modules. The network card includes an LLP module and a microprocessor. Through a protocol data unit descriptor, a PDU generator and an iSCSI network card manager in the microprocessor, protocol data units in network packets can be resolved in advance, so that the host can concentrate on executing SCSI commands, thereby accelerating the network packet processing efficiency of the network device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving communication throughput of a link between SAS/SATA devices. The link, initially established at a first signal rate, is one of a SATA link and a SAS link. A SAS/SATA device increments one of the at least one counter based on an error sensed on the link. Based on the at least one counter, the SAS/SATA device determines whether to maintain the first signal rate. The link is re-established at a second signal rate based on the determination such that the second signal rate is lower than the first signal rate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing multi-pathing via Small Computer System Interface Input/Output (SCSI I/O) referral between an initiator and a storage cluster which are communicatively coupled via a network, the storage cluster including at least a first target device and a second target device. The method includes receiving an input/output (I/O) at the first target device from the initiator via the network. The I/O includes a data request. The method further includes transmitting a SCSI I/O referral list to the initiator when data included in the data request is not stored on the first target device, but is stored on the second target device. The referral list includes first and second port identifiers for identifying first and second ports of the second target device respectively. The first and second ports of the target device are identified as access ports for accessing the data requested in the data request.

Abstract: A cluster of storage control members connect different clients to different storage disks. Connection path information between the different clients and disks is discovered and distributed to the storage cluster members. The connection path information is then used to maintain coherency between tiering media contained in the different storage cluster members. Unique Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) identifiers may be associated with the different connection paths to uniquely identify particular storage disks connected to the clients.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method, apparatus and system for managing SAS zoning, using end device grouping. A SAS end device grouping management application is configured to group SAS end devices, such as SAS initiator devices and SAS target devices, into any number of zones or zone configurations. The end device grouping application uses these defined zones to create a minimal number of zone groups, e.g., by creating one zone group per defined zone and populating the zone group with the ZPSDS entry point phys of the end devices in the zone from which the zone group is based, and to configure the respective permissions of the created zone groups. The end device grouping application then compares all existing zone groups for common phys and removes them to a new zone group. The zone groups are compared and processed in this manner until no zone groups have common phys.

Abstract: A system and method for emulating SCSI reservations using network file access protocols is provided. The system and method enable applications or operating systems on a networked computer designed to utilize SCSI reservations on only locally attached storage to also access networked data storage. The emulation occurs transparently to higher levels of operating systems or applications so that the applications or operating systems which are designed to only access locally attached storage may be enabled to access networked storage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering and booting a computer system using a SAN. The computer system comprises a local storage device. A request for writing data to a boot volume on the local storage device is received. The data is written to the local storage device, as well as to the SAN at substantially the same time as receiving the request. The computer system can then be booted using the data written to the SAN.

Abstract: A network teaming system includes one or more subsystems to provide a hardware system integrated teaming assistant (SITA hardware), provide a software system integrated teaming assistant (SITA software) operable with the SITA hardware and provide a feature checking and enablement system (FCE), wherein the FCE determines one or more networking features for members of a team coupled together on a network, and wherein the SITA hardware in combination with the SITA software perform a networking feature for a member of the team who does not have the capability to perform the networking feature.

Abstract: A storage array includes at least one target and a logical unit having a logical unit number. The storage array is configured to receive input defining a host group comprising at least one initiator and receive input defining a target group comprising the at least one target. The host group, target group and logical unit number define a view entry. The storage array is further configured to apply the view entry to the logical unit to provide a logical unit inventory that is provisioned for the at least one initiator.

Abstract: A computer system uses simplified device drivers for operating hardware devices. A simplified device driver for a hardware device of a given device type, such as a flatbed scanner, works with a system-supplied common driver for that given device type. The common driver and the simplified driver together function like a regular device driver. The simplified device driver implements a small number of entry point functions corresponding to a pre-selected set of operation commands “generic” to hardware devices of that given device type. When an application makes a request for an operation by the device, the request is passed through a device driver interface (DDI) to the common driver. The common driver then calls the entry point functions in the simplified device driver to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A method for interfacing block storage devices is disclosed. The method can include receiving communications from an initiator at a block storage device interface, translating the received communications, transmitting the translated communications to a native storage device driver, forwarding the translated communication to a physical adapter, and controlling physical storage devices in response to the communications received from the initiator.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer storage system maintains a client computer interacting with the storage system, the client computer storing data on a data storage device of the computer storage system. Locating, by a client-side agent executing on the client computer that examines metadata of the client computer, one or more sets of blocks allocated and then deleted, hereinafter referred to as deleted blocks, within the computer storage system. Sending a command to the storage system, the command to identify the deleted blocks within the computer storage system. Deallocating, in response to receiving the command, the identified deleted blocks within the computer storage system.

Abstract: A device is connectable to a computer using a data string based on the SCSI standard. The device includes a mode switching section configured to switch the device to one of a first mode and a second mode in which an access to the storage device with a standard SCSI commands is permitted and prohibited, respectively. When the standard SCSI command is received and the device is in the first mode, the physical storage area of the data storage section is accessed on the basis of the SCSI command. When the standard SCSI command is received and the device is in the second mode, a pseudo response is transmitted to the computer, which indicates that no storage medium is mounted. When a particular SCSI command is received, the file is accessed through a file system provided in the device based on the particular SCSI command.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for transferring data between an initiator node and target node. A request is received conforming to a first data transfer protocol at the initiator node to transmit to the target node. A reference to a memory location is obtained to use to transfer the request to the target node. At least one function is called that executes in a user address space of the initiator node, wherein the initiator node includes a kernel address space and the user address space. The at least one function executing in the user address space interfaces with an adaptor to transmit the request and reference to the memory location to the target node using a second data transfer protocol.

Abstract: This invention extends the distance at which a SAS extender can function. The distance is increased a large amount over the traditional 10 meters. As a result timers will not go off before the response can make a trip back. This is accomplished by emulating as a SAS expander, using SAS AIP's (Arbitration In Progress), and using a lookup table to determine which SAS events must be responded to immediately and which ones to be passed on to the remote link.

Abstract: A method and system for emulating a hardware Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) Host Bus Adapter (HBA) without risking an interruption of communication between a computer and a remote secondary storage device is presented. During normal operations, a (hardware emulating) software HBA drives a Network Interface Card (NIC) to afford communication between the computer and the remote secondary storage. If an operating system (OS) anomaly occurs in the computer, the NIC is normally disconnected by the OS. To maintain communication between the computer and the secondary storage device if such an event occurs, a failover network device is called up by the computer's System Management Memory (SMM) Basic Input Output System (BIOS), which allows uninterrupted communication to continue between the computer and remote secondary storage device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for creating and using persistent connections in SAS networks. A persistent connection may be a connection that persists for longer than the usual SAS connection. More specifically, it is a connection that is not subject to periodic tear downs by SAS devices according to existing SAS protocols (such as, by using CLOSE or BREAK primitives). Instead, persistent connections may be removable by a link reset. Persistent connections may be used in situations in which the overhead associated with the usual tear down and re-establishment of connections in a SAS network may be considered too high in comparison with its intended benefits. Persistent connections may also be used to provide virtual direct attachment between two different SAS connected devices or between a SAS connected device and an expander.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a simplified Serial SCSI Protocol (“SSP”) link layer within a SAS device. Features and aspects hereof provide a simplified SSP link layer processor to enable cost reduction and simplification of Serial Attached SCSI (“SAS”) devices requiring only limited SSP exchange functionality. In one embodiment, a SAS expander may incorporate the simplified SSP link layer features and aspects hereof to permit simple management of SAS devices coupled to the expander or coupled downstream through other expanders. The simplified SSP link layer suffices for simple SAS management functions while reducing cost and complexity of the SAS expander. Features and aspects hereof may be implemented with minimal customized circuits for SSP link layer management in the SAS device. In one aspect hereof, the simplified link layer processing may be implemented as a simplified state machine model in combinatorial logic coupled with any requisite memory components.

Abstract: Mechanisms and processes for directly storing data into the memory of a storage device using the iSCSI protocol are described. One mechanism includes a transmitting device that encodes data to be stored in an iSCSI protocol data unit. Also encoded is buffer locational data that indicates, directly or indirectly, one or more memory addresses of where the data is to be stored within the buffer memory of a receiving device. The buffer locational data is encoded using standard fields within the iSCSI protocol data unit, such as the Target Transfer Tag. A receiving device decodes the buffer locational data and stores the received data at the memory locations specified by the buffer locational data.

Abstract: A system and method described herein allows a virtual tape library (VTL) to perform multiple simultaneous or parallel read/write or access sessions with disk drives or other storage media, particularly when subject to a sequential SCSI-compliant layer or traditional limitations of VTLs. In one embodiment, a virtualizing or transaction layer can establish multiple sessions with one or more clients to concurrently satisfy the read/write requests of those clients for physical storage resources. A table or other data structure tracks or maps the sessions associated with each client and the location of data on the physical storage devices.

Abstract: Provided is a computer interface controller for peripheral devices, comprising a computer interface control unit, a central control unit, a driver program memory, a virtual optical disc drive control unit, a data transmission unit and a data interruption unit. The central controller is connected to the computer interface control unit and the driver program memory is connected to the central controller. The data transmission unit and the data interruption unit are connected to the computer interface control unit. The computer interface controller selects a proper data transmission mode according to the user authorization information provided by the computer device in correspondence with the user of the peripheral in connection with the invented computer interface controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a system and method that utilizes external memory devices to cache sectors from a rotating storage device (e.g., a hard drive) to improve system performance. When an external memory device (EMD) is plugged into the computing device or onto a network in which the computing device is connected, the system recognizes the EMD and populates the EMD with disk sectors. The system routes I/O read requests directed to the disk sector to the EMD cache instead of the actual disk sector. The use of EMDs increases performance and productivity on the computing device systems for a fraction of the cost of adding memory to the computing device.

Abstract: A data transfer method and an Internet Small Computer Systems Interface controller are disclosed. At least one mirror iSCSI controller is preset for each iSCSI controller. The mirror iSCSI controller detects failure of the mirrored iSCSI controller corresponding to the mirror iSCSI controller, and adds service information of the mirrored iSCSI controller to the mirror iSCSI controller. The mirror iSCSI controller receives a log-in request sent from an iSCSI host which originally has logged in the mirrored iSCSI controller. The mirror iSCSI controller conducts data transfer with the iSCSI host in accordance with the service information.

Abstract: Input/Output (I/O) protocol operations such as iSCSI protocol operations may be selectively offloaded to an I/O protocol offload device, or retained by a host driver software. In one embodiment, iSCSI data transfer functions are offloaded to an offload device while session and connection establishing and maintenance operations are retained by host driver software. Other features are described and claimed.