Method for aggregating a plurality of links to simulate a unitary connection
AssigneeMcData Corporation
InventorsJeffrey J. Nelson, Robert Grant, Stephen Trevitt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for aggregating a plurality of links to simulate a unitary connection among one or more nodes in a fibre channel system includes means for striping data frames across the links. One or more programmable hardware mechanisms, operatively connectable to the links and to nodes in the fabric, also are provided. A program for collecting information about variable link characteristics is included. Programmable hardware mechanisms provide in-order delivery of data frames across the links despite the variable link characteristics.
Claims21
A method for aggregating a plurality of links to simulate a unitary connection among one or more nodes in a fibre channel system, comprising:
- providing means for striping data frames across the plurality of links;
- equipping the system with at least one programmable hardware mechanism operatively connectable to the plurality of links and to the one or more nodes;
- installing in the at least one programmable hardware mechanisms a program for collecting information about each of the plurality of links;
- tabulating the information for use by the at least one programmable hardware mechanisms;
- and
- employing the at least one programmable hardware mechanisms to provide in-order delivery of the data frames across the plurality of links.
A method for in-order delivery of data across one or more links having variable link characteristics, comprising:
- disposing one or more devices operatively connectable to the one or more Links;
- including a programmable hardware mechanism operatively couplable to the one or more devices;
- storing a program in the programmable hardware mechanism for collecting the variable link characteristics;
- striping one or more frames of data across the one or more links to the one or more devices;
- and
- executing the program to achieve in-order delivery of the data to the one or more devices.
A system for adjusting link characteristics to provide in-order data delivery, comprising:
- a plurality of links;
- one or more nodes connectable to the plurality of links;
- at least one programmable hardware mechanism operatively connectable to the plurality of links and to the one or more nodes;
- a program installable in the at least one programmable hardware mechanism for collecting the link characteristics;
- means for frame striping the data across the plurality of links;
- and
- means for executing the at least one programmable hardware mechanism to eliminate system disruptions caused by the link characteristics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.