Protocols for connecting intelligent service modules in a storage area network
US7953866B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L49/35
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Implementations are disclosed that provide protocols for connecting an intelligent service module within a storage area network (SAN). The protocols support physical connections between the intelligent service module and a director-level switch of the SAN. In some variations, the intelligent service module may comprise a director service module (DSM), a domain-sharing leaf switch service module (LSSM), or a non-domain-sharing LSSM. The protocols provide for establishing link parameters and negotiating responsibilities between the intelligent service module and the director-level switch. In one configuration, for example, ELP and ELP_ACCEPT frames may be used to establish the link parameters. In another configuration, ESC and ESC_ACCEPT frames may be used to negotiate responsibilities between the intelligent service module and the director-level switch. Other configurations also provide an ownership status of the intelligent service module that is used to determine whether the switch can initiate management of the intelligent service module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.