Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Christian Cadieux

Gavin G Gibson

Stephen A Wiley

John C Schell

Paula C Kiser

Todd H McKenney

Wayne Munson

In some embodiments, a computer accessible medium comprises a plurality of instructions which, when executed, probe nodes in a network to determine if one or more nodes are experiencing any events indicative of a fault. The nodes are probed in a sequence. The instructions, when executed, in response to receiving a first alert transmitted by a first node in the network asynchronous to the probes performed according to the sequence, probe one or more neighbor nodes of the first node. In some other embodiments, the instructions, when executed, in response to receiving a first alert transmitted by a first node in the network asynchronous to the probes performed according to the sequence, interrupt probing according to the sequence to probe at least the first node.

Fault isolation in large networks

Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture for fault determination. A duration of time is determined for receiving an event. A plurality of events are received in a time period that is at least twice the determined duration. A plurality of factors are determined corresponding to the plurality of events. At least one factor is determined from the plurality of factors, wherein the at least one factor is a cause of at least one of the plurality of events.

Method, system, and article of manufacture for fault determination

A fault region identification system adapted for use in a network, such as a storage area network (SAN), includes logic and/or program modules configured to identify errors that occur in the transmission of command, data and response packets between at least one host, switches and target devices on the network. The system maintains a count at each of a plurality of packet-receiving components of the network, the count indicating a number of CRC or other errors that have been detected by each component. The error counts are stored with the time of detection. The system alters the EOF (end-of-file) delimiter for each packet for which an error was counted such that other components ignore that packet, i.e. do not increment their error counts for that packet. Link segments adjacent single- or multiple-device components of the network are identified as fault regions, based upon the error counts of those components.

System and method for rapid fault isolation in a storage area network

A fault isolation system in a network is disclosed, particularly suited for use in a unidirectional fibre channel arbitrated loop. Information relating to read and write errors occurring on the loop is stored, and fault regions are located by determining areas on the loop downstream of write errors and upstream of read errors. The system may be extended to networks with bidirectional communications by storing directionality information with the detected errors. Command and response error information is not needed to deterministically locate the fault regions. When a given fault region is identified, loop and device diagnostics are executed for that region of the loop to specifically identify the failed components.

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Louisville, CO, United States of America

Christian Cadieux