External storage

A storage system to be connected to a computer via a network, said storage system comprising:

• a storage device for storing data from said computer;
• a first controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a second controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a first communication port for said network, said first communication port having an identifier and being included in said first controller;
• and
• a second communication port for said network, said second communication port having an identifier and being included in aid second controller,
• wherein said first controller further includes:
• means for occupying said network, and
• means for assigning said second identifier to said first communication port.

A storage system to be connected to a computer via a network, said storage system comprising:

• a storage device for storing data from said computer;
• a first controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a second controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a first communication port for said network, said first communication port having an identifier and being included in said first controller;
• and
• a second communication port for said network, said second communication port having an identifier and being included in said second controller,
• wherein said first controller further includes:
• a circuit which outputs a signal for occupying said network, and
• a CPU which assigns said second identifier to said first communication port.

A storage system to be connected to a computer via a network, said storage system comprising:

• a storage device for storing data from said computer;
• a first controller, connected to said network, for controller input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a second controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a first communication port for said network, said first communication port having an identifier and being included in said first controller;
• and
• a second communication port for said network, said second communication port having an identifier and being included in said second controller,
• wherein said first controller further includes:
• a circuit which outputs signals fro inhibiting data output from said computer and from said second communication port, and
• a CPU which assigns said second identifier to said first communication port.

A storage system to be connected to a computer via a network, said storage system comprising:

• a storage device for storing data from said computer;
• a first controller, connected to said network, for controlling input/output operation of said data to/from said storage device;
• a first communication port for said network, said first communication port having an identifier and being included in said first controller;
• and
• a second communication port for said network, said second communication port having an identifier and being included in said second controller,
• wherein said first controller further includes:
• means for inhibiting data transfer among said computer, said first communication port and said second communication port, and
• a CPU which assigns said second identifier to said first communication port.