| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 719326000 | SCSI device driver | 27 |
| 20080201725 | ADDRESS REDUCTION FOR DATA STORAGE ENCLOSURES - 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. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080209450 | Method to Enable Infiniband Network Bootstrap - Firmware of an InfiniBand (IB) host computer device provides a representation of an IB Host Channel Adapter (HCA) within the hierarchical data structure during system initialization. An ib-boot support package encapsulates arguments for booting over an IB network using an ibport device. The ib-boot support package supports use of one or more command keywords, each identifying a specific type of support package utilized to retrieve the boot image. When the srp keyword is provided, an SRP protocol is used to access the storage boot device and retrieve the boot file. Access to the boot server is thus provided via one of the support packages, and the boot image is returned to the host device via the IB network for completion of boot operations. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080244620 | Dynamic Communication Fabric Zoning - A mechanism is provided for dynamically zoning or rezoning serially attached SCSI expanders using an intelligent failover mechanism. The mechanism uses serially attached SCSI (SAS) zoning by zoning off one port of the SAS hard disk drive to the initiator that does not “own” the resource. The drive will appear to only one initiator as a result of the zoning. In the event of a failure on the “owning” initiator, the failover mechanism may change the zones, zoning off the failed initiator and including the drives in the zone(s) of the active initiator(s). By using zoning in this fashion, the zoning mechanism creates an active-passive SAS multiplexer with configurable and intelligent failover. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080244621 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A STORAGE APPLICATION FROM A NETWORK INTERFACE DRIVER - An apparatus and system are provided for isolating a storage application from a network interface driver. The apparatus includes a definition module, an application interface, a translation module, and a data buffer. The definition module defines a set of storage application functions. The translation module translates each storage application function to one or more network interface driver functions. The data buffer transfers data blocks between the storage application and the network interface driver. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080307444 | STORAGE ROUTER AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL LOCAL STORAGE - A storage router ( | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080313658 | Intelligent Dynamic Multi-Zone Single Expander Connecting Dual Ported Drives - A single fibre channel switch or serial attached SCSI expander applies zoning on the initiator ports to each of the two ports of one or more drives. The fibre channel switch or serial attached SCSI expander uses zoning to connect both ports of each drive to a single expander and set the zones in the expander such that each zone includes at least one initiator port and one drive port. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090007154 | SAS expander-side optimization for the re-discovery process - A simplification of the re-discovery process for initiators due to changes in the network is disclosed. 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. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090025014 | DATA TRANSFER METHOD AND SYSTEM - 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. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090055841 | Computer interface controller for peripheral devices - 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. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090172706 | SAS EXPANDER BASED PERSISTENT CONNECTIONS - 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. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090187924 | Resolving SAS timing issues for long-distance SAS extender - 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. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090307716 | Block storage interface for virtual memory - 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. Other embodiments are also disclosed | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100077408 | STORAGE AREA NETWORK AND METHOD FOR PROVISIONING THEREIN - 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. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100077409 | SYSTEM INTEGRATED TEAMING - 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. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100125857 | CLUSTER CONTROL PROTOCOL - 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. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100153975 | Multi-pathing with SCSI I/O referrals - 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. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100169899 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION THROUGHPUT OF STORAGE LINKS - 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. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100175073 | NETWORK DEVICE FOR ACCELERATING ISCSI PACKET PROCESSING - 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. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100251267 | Caching of SCSI I/O referrals - 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. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100269124 | Optimal paths with SCSI I/O referrals - 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. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100275219 | SCSI PERSISTENT RESERVE MANAGEMENT - 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. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110119686 | EXTERNAL DATA STORAGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A HARD DISK DRIVE AND METHOD OF MONITORING THE OPERATIONAL STATUS OF THE HARD DISK DRIVE - 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. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110296440 | ACCELERATOR SYSTEM FOR USE WITH SECURE DATA STORAGE - 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. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120072924 | SAS SMP TUNNELING USING SCSI COMMANDS - A storage system comprising: a SCSI initiator being configured for receiving a data request and providing a SMP request corresponding to the data request, the SCSI initiator being further configured for encapsulating the SMP request into a first SCSI command; a SCSI target being configured for receiving the first SCSI command, the SCSI target being further configured for recognizing encapsulation of the SMP request and obtaining the SMP request from the first SCSI command; and an SMP target being configured for processing the SMP request and providing an SMP response to the SCSI target. The SCSI target being further configured for acknowledging the SCSI initiator upon reception of the SMP response; and the SCSI initiator being further configured for sending a second SCSI command to the SCSI target to retrieve the SMP response. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20130031570 | SAS VIRTUAL TAPE DRIVE - A serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) expander for providing a virtual tape drive. The expander includes a virtual tape manager to generate a virtual tape virtual PHY capable of being part of a zone group wherein the virtual tape virtual PHY comprises drive bays which support disk drives for emulation of tape drives. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130055290 | Configuring and Relaying Events from a Storage Controller to a Host Server - A mechanism is provided for relaying events from a storage controller to a host server. Responsive to identifying an event occurring within a storage device, a notification is sent to a device server in the host server with which the event is associated. A server virtual disk is identified using a unique identification of the server virtual disk. Responsive to identifying the server virtual disk, at least one device executing an application on the host server is notified of an impending degradation in a mode of operation. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130117767 | SAS EXPANDER FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DRIVERS - A SAS expander that includes a virtual device manager and a communications manager. The virtual device manager is to generate a virtual device table comprising virtual device PHYs associated with virtual device drivers for host device drivers to allow communication between the host device drivers. The communications manager is to receive a request from a first host device driver of a first host to communicate with a second host device driver of a second host, and in response to receipt of the request, establish communication between the first host device driver and a virtual device PHY associated with a virtual device driver of the second host device driver. | 05-09-2013 |
