Method and apparatus for transparent communication between a fibre channel network and an infiniband network
US7206314B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for providing transparent communications between an Infiniband (IB) network and a Fibre Channel (FC) network are disclosed. One method comprises: (a) detecting FC node ports in the FC network; (b) creating virtual IB targets for each FC node port in the FC network; and (c) converting IB packets directed to the virtual IB targets into FC frames directed to the corresponding FC node port. It may further comprise intercepting management packets directed to the virtual IB targets and responsively emulating a subnet management agent (SMA) of the addressed virtual IB target. Another method comprises: (a) detecting IB channel adapters; (b) creating a virtual FC target for each IB channel adapter; and (c) converting any FC frames directed to the virtual FC targets into IB packets directed to the corresponding IB channel adapter. Fabric frames directed to the virtual FC targets may be intercepted and handled appropriately.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.