Distributed name services in a fibre channel fabric
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorsSeth Mason, Venkatasubramanian Kirishnamurthyi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for improving name services in a fibre channel fabric. Either a world wide name or an alias can be used to uniquely identify a device such as a storage device on a fibre channel fabric. World wide name and alias associations are maintained in an alias database that is synchronized on connected fibre channel switches in a physical fibre channel fabric. Devices can be moved from one switch to another while maintaining alias and world wide name associations.
Claims30
A method for managing alias information-associated with fibre channel end devices, the method comprising:
- receiving a world wide name associated with a fibre channel end device at a fibre channel switch in a fibre channel fabric;
- receiving an alias associated with the fibre channel end device;
- creating a one-to-one correspondence between the world wide name and the alias;
- distributing the one-to-one correspondence between the world wide name and the alias to other fibre channel switches physically connected in the fibre channel fabric.
A system for managing alias information associated with fibre channel end devices, the system comprising:
- an interface operable to receive a world wide name associated with a fibre channel end device and an alias associated with the fibre channel end device;
- a processor operable to create a one-to-one correspondence between the world wide name and the alias and distribute the one-to-one correspondence between the world wide name and the alias to other fibre channel switches physically connected in a fibre channel fabric.
A fibre channel switch, comprising:
- means for receiving a plurality of world wide names associated with a plurality of fibre channel end devices;
- means for receiving a plurality of aliases associated with the plurality of fibre channel end devices;
- means for creating one-to-one correspondences between the plurality of world wide names and the plurality of aliases;
- means for distributing the one-to-one correspondences between the plurality of world wide names and the plurality of aliases to other fibre channel switches physically connected in the fibre channel fabric.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.