Methods, systems and apparatus for the virtualization of high performance networks

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and systems create virtualized networks within a physical network. These virtualized am support multiprotocols such as iSCSI, RoCE, NFS, or other high performance protocols. The virtualized subnetwork may contain enhanced separation capabilities from the larger network as well as automated creation, a method is provided for forwarding iSCSI frames by a switch The methods consist of receiving commands at the switch to configure the ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) tables from a software denned network controller. An iSCSI frame is received by the switch from a first iSCSI device coupled to the switch. The switch looks up and matches the received iSCSI frame by one or more of the fields in a TCAM table entry. The TCAM table entry preferably is added from a command send from the software defined network controller. The received iSCSI frame is forwarded to a second iSCSI device coupled to the switch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.