Lsi Logic Corporation

Hyundai Electronics America, Inc.

At&t Global Information Solutions Company

Symbios Logic Inc.

Daniel A Riedl

Gerald James Fredin

James A Lynn

Anthony D Gitchell

Timothy W Gentry

Methods and systems for optimizing data mirroring operations are disclosed. One or more data channels can be selected from among a plurality of data channels associated with a data-processing system, such that the selected data channel or data channels can comprise a data channel that is the least occupied data channel among the plurality of data channels. A plurality of data mirroring operations can then operate simultaneously on the selected data channel or data channels, in response to selecting the data channel form among the plurality of data channels, thereby optimizing data mirroring operations associated with said data-processing system.

Methods and systems for improving mirror performance via optimized multi-channel utilization

A method for validating operation of a fiber link when the fiber link is initialized includes the steps of entering a trial link up state upon receiving a command to initialize the fiber link so that normal commands to other devices within the fiber channel loop are not resumed, and thereafter entering a final link up state and resuming normal commands to other devices within the fiber channel loop. In exemplary embodiments, the method may be implemented by devices within a system such as a disk array system of a storage area network (SAN), or the like.

Method for validating operation of a fibre link

A system identifies one or more devices having faults in a communication loop. The system includes an interface, a decision module, and a connection processor. The interface is configured for sending requests for information to each device of the communication loop and for receiving responses to the requests. The devices may include computer disk drives for use in a storage system. The requests may include Read-Link Status (RLS) commands sent to the computer disk drives. The RLS commands may provide diagnostics of the disk drives connected to the loop. The decision module is communicatively connected to the interface for weighting the responses of each device to identify the devices having the faults. The responses may be weighted based on the relative potential for disrupting operability of the system. The communication loop may include an FC loop that allows communications between a host system and the computer disk drives.

Method and apparatus for identifying one or more devices having faults in a communication loop

A method for partitioning a disk array into logical storage units distinct from the physical storage units within the array. A set of individual drives within the array are partitioned into multiple partitions. Corresponding partitions from the individual drives are grouped together to form a logical unit which is addressed as, and functions as, an independent disk array. The partitions within the logical unit are addressed as, and function as, disk drives within the logical array. Thus, a single set of disk drives may be divided into two or more logical storage units, each functioning as an independent disk array, and each employing a different RAID level scheme for storing data. Alternatively, multiple sets of disk drives within the array can combined together into a logical storage unit which functions as a single set of drives. Corresponding drives from each set of drives are addressed as a single disk drive within the logical unit. Thus a logical unit is formed having twice or more the capacity of a single set of disk drives. Finally, The two logical disk arrays described above may be utilized together to organize a plurality of disk drives into several logical arrays, some formed from partitions of disk drives, some from combining groups of unpartitioned disk drives, and others formed from combining unpartitioned drives together with partitions of drives. Each logical array may employ a different scheme for storing data.

Growing community of inventors

Andover, KS, United States of America

Daniel A Riedl