Integrated dynamic load balancing by an input/output interface

A method for providing a load-balancing function between a host and a target in a network environment by an input/output interface, comprising:

• providing a logical identifier table by an input/output interface including a single controller, the logical identifier table including at least one logical identifier, the logical identifier suitable for referencing at least one physical address identifier of a target;
• and
• managing communications between the host and the target by the input/output interface, the communications occurring over at least one of a first route and a second route of at least two routes communicatively coupling the input/output interface to the target so that the host transfers data by balancing data transferred utilizing the second route and the third route of the at least two routes.

An input/output interface suitable for providing a load-balancing function between a host and a target in a network environment, comprising:

• means for providing a logical identifier table by an input/output interface including a single controller, the logical identifier table including at least one logical identifier, the logical identifier suitable for referencing at least one physical address identifier of a target;
• and
• means for managing communications between the host and the target by the input/output interface, the communications occurring over at least one of a first route and a second route of at least two routes communicatively coupling the input/output interface to the target so that the host transfers data by balancing data transferred utilizing the second route and the third route of the at least two routes.