Virtual sequential data storage (VSDS) system with router conducting data between hosts and physical storage bypassing VSDS controller

A signal-bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform operations to manage a router in a virtual sequential data storage system including a virtual sequential data storage system controller coupled to physical data storage, the controller coupled to a host machine including at least one host application, where the controller is configured to carry out commands from the host application referencing virtual sequential data storage, and where the router is installed at the host, the operations comprising:

• the router intercepting prescribed types of host commands directed to the controller;
• for each host read/write command intercepted by the router, performing read/write processing operations comprising:
• the router determining a target physical location in physical data storage to carry out the intercepted host read/write command;
• if the host command is a read command, the router transferring data requested by the read command from the target physical location to the host application bypassing the controller;
• if the host command is a write command, the router transferring write data associated with the write command from the host application to the target physical location bypassing the controller.

Logic circuitry of multiple interconnected electrically conductive elements configured to perform operations to manage a router in a virtual sequential data storage system including a virtual sequential data storage system controller coupled to physical data storage, the controller coupled to a host machine including at least one host application, where the controller is configured to carry out commands from the host application referencing virtual sequential data storage, and where the router is installed at the host, the operations comprising:

• the router intercepting prescribed types of host commands directed to the controller;
• for each host read/write command intercepted by the router, performing read/write processing operations comprising:
• the router determining a target physical location in physical data storage to carry out the intercepted host read/write command;
• if the host command is a read command, the router transferring data requested by the read command from the target physical location to the host application bypassing the controller;
• if the host command is a write command, the router transferring write data associated with the write command from the host application to the target physical location bypassing the controller.

A virtual sequential data storage subsystem, comprising:

• a virtual sequential data storage system including physical data storage and a controller coupled to the physical data storage, the controller coupled to a host machine including at least one host application, where the controller is configured to carry out commands from host applications referencing virtual sequential data storage;
• a router installed at the host, coupled to the physical data storage, and configured to perform operations comprising:
• intercepting prescribed types of host commands directed to the controller;
• for each host read/write command intercepted by the router, performing read/write processing operations comprising:
• determining a target physical location in physical data storage to carry out the intercepted host read/write command;
• if the host command is a read command, transferring data requested by the read command from the target physical location to the host application bypassing the controller;
• if the host command is a write command, transferring write data associated with the write command from the host application to the target physical location bypassing the controller.

A virtual sequential data storage subsystem, comprising:

• a virtual sequential data storage system including physical data storage and a controller coupled to the physical data storage, the controller coupled to a host machine including at least one host application, where the controller is configured to carry out commands from host applications referencing virtual sequential data storage;
• router means, installed at the host, for conducting selected operations outboard of the controller comprising:
• intercepting prescribed types of host commands directed to the controller;
• for each host read/write command intercepted by the router means, performing read/write processing operations comprising:
• determining a target physical location in physical data storage to carry out the intercepted host read/write command;
• if the host command is a read command, transferring data requested by the read command from the target physical location to the host application bypassing the controller;
• if the host command is a write command, transferring write data associated with the write command from the host application to the target physical location bypassing the controller.