Method for bidirectional data transfer

A method, comprising:

• sending a link layer login from a first port to a second port;
• subsequently, sending an application layer login from the first port to the second port to establish a first data path, wherein the first data path is from the first port to the second port;
• and
• subsequently, sending another application layer login from the second port to the first port to establish a second data path, wherein the second data path is from the second port to the first port, wherein the method further comprises:
• (i) determining that the second port has an initiated link layer login to the first port, prior to sending the another application layer login from the second port to the first port;
• and
• (ii) restricting the second port from sending another link layer login to the first port, wherein sending the another link layer login would cause a termination of the established first data path from the first port to the second port.

A method, comprising:

• establishing a first data path from a first port to a second port;
• determining, at the first port, whether the second port has a second data path established from the second port to the first port;
• sending an application layer logout, from the first port to the second port, in response to determining that the second port has the second data path established from the second port to the first port;
• and
• terminating the first data path from the first port to the second port in response to receiving the application layer logout at the second port, wherein a bidirectional data transfer application prevents the first port from sending a link layer logout to the second port, wherein sending the link layer logout would cause a termination of the first and second data paths.