Selectable logical identifier mapping

A method for providing data transfer between a host and a target in a network environment by a configurable input/output interface, comprising:

• providing a logical identifier, the logical identifier configurable for operation in at least two modes, the at least two modes including at least two of
• referencing multiple data transfer routes between the target and the input/output device utilizing a single logical identifier;
• referencing a single route between the target and the input/output device utilizing a logical identifier;
• and
• referencing a physical address of the target utilizing a logical identifier;
• and
• managing communications between the host and the target by selecting a mode of at least two modes operable by the input/output interface.

A configurable input/output interface for data transfer between a host and a target in a network environment, comprising:

• a first data transfer route suitable for communicatively coupling the input/output interface to a host system;
• a second data transfer route suitable for communicatively coupling the input/output interface to a target;
• a third data transfer route suitable for communicatively coupling the input/output interface to the target;
• a memory suitable for storing an indication describing a desired operating mode of at least two modes for the input/output interface;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled to the first data transfer route, the second data transfer route, the third data transfer route and the memory, the controller suitable for configuring the input/output interface based on the stored indication to operate in at least one of at least two modes wherein the at least two modes operable by the input/output interface include at least two of
• a first mode which configures the controller to provide a logical identifier involving both the second data transfer route and the third data transfer route;
• a second mode which provides a first logical identifier involving the second data transfer route and a second logical identifier involving the third data transfer route;
• and
• a third mode providing a logical identifier corresponding to a physical address of the target.

An input/output interface for providing data transfer between a host and a target in a network environment by a configurable input/output interface, comprising:

• means for providing a logical identifier table by an input/output interface, the logical identifier table including at least one means for logically identifying at least one of a data transfer route between the host and the target and a physical address of the target;
• and
• means for managing communications between the host and the target by selecting a mode of at least two modes operable by the input/output interface, wherein a first mode of the at least two modes configures the input/output interface to provide a host with access to at least two routes for communicatively coupling the input/output interface to the target utilizing the identifying means;
• a second mode of the at least two modes wherein the identifying means is utilized to provide the host with access to the target utilizing a single route;
• and a third mode wherein identifying means corresponds to a physical address of the target.