Method to qualify access to a block storage device via augmentation of the device's controller and firmware flow
US8001348B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0676
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method to qualify access to a block storage device via augmentation of the device's controller and firmware flow. The method employs one or more block exclusion vectors (BEVs) that include attributes specifying allowed access operations for corresponding block address ranges. Logic in accordance with the BEVs is programmed into the controller for the block storage device, such as a disk drive controller for a disk drive. In response to an access request, a block address range corresponding to the storage block(s) requested to be accessed is determined. Based on the BEV entries, a determination is made to whether the determined logical block address range is covered by a corresponding BEV entry. If so, the attributes of the BEV are used to determine whether the access operation is allowed. The method may be used to secure access to firmware stored on a disk drive, thus enabling a system configuration that does not require a conventional firmware storage device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.