Lsi Logic Corporation

Louis H Odenwald

Roger T Clegg

Keith W Holt

Steven R Schremmer

The present invention is directed to a system and method for a multihost information handling system employing a static logical identifier. In an aspect of the present invention, at least one input/output interface has a target masking configuration utility of the input/output interface which controls the allocation of target devices to the host. Each host may have its own target masking configuration utility or may communicate with each other through agents connected to each other through a network such as a local area network. A controller is communicatively coupled to the ports. When the controller receives an identifier from the host, the controller generates a logical identifier from the identifier, the logical identifier suitable for being utilized in conjunction with a look-up table to provide access to the target.

Integrated target masking

The present invention is directed to a configurable input/output interface and method for data transfer between a host and a target in a network environment. A method for providing data transfer between a host and a target in a network environment by a configurable input/output interface includes providing a logical identifier. The logical identifier is configurable for operation in at least two modes, the at least two modes including at least two of referencing multiple data transfer routes between the target and the input/output device utilizing a single logical identifier, referencing a single route between the target and the input/output device utilizing a logical identifier, and referencing a physical address of the target utilizing a logical identifier. Communications between the host and the target are managed by selecting a mode of the at least two modes operable by the input/output interface.

Selectable logical identifier mapping

The present invention is directed to a system and method employing a static logical identifier. In an aspect of the present invention, an input/output interface suitable for communicatively coupling a host with a target device may include at least one port communicatively coupling the input/output interface with a host and at least one port communicatively coupling the input/output interface with a target. A controller is communicatively coupled to the ports. When the controller receives an identifier from the host, the controller generates a logical identifier from the identifier, the logical identifier suitable for being utilized in conjunction with a look-up table to provide access to the target.

System and method employing a static logical identifier in conjuction with a look up table to provide access to a target

The present invention is directed to a system and method employing a dynamic logical identifier. In an aspect of the present invention, a method for accessing data utilizing an input/output interface may include providing an identifier for accessing a target device by a host and generating a logical identifier from the obtained identifier by the host. The logical identifier is transferred to an input/output interface and a look-up table is accessed utilizing the logical identifier by an input/output interface controller. The look-up table is included on the input/output interface, wherein the look-up table provides access between the input/output interface and the target device so as to enable the host to access the target device.

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Wichita, KS, United States of America

Louis H Odenwald