Lsi Corporation

Avago Technologies General IP (singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Luiz Varchavtchik

Reid A Kaufmann

Jason A Unrein

Methods and structure for devices that implement multiple versions of the Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) protocol. One exemplary embodiment comprises a SAS device that includes at least one physical link (PHY) that supports a specified generation of SAS protocols, and at least one PHY that supports a different generation of SAS protocols and that does not support the specified generation of SAS protocols. The SAs device also includes an Input/Output (I/O) processor able to select a PHY to service a SAS connection, based on the generation of SAS protocols supported by the PHY.

Devices with asymmetric SAS generation support

A system and method for servers to belong to a cascaded cluster of nodes (or servers) is disclosed. Servers share storage in common without the need of an external element such as a switch and or external storage device. SAS technology is used with direct attached drives in each node, and connections between each node, to emulate a SAN environment through a cascaded SAS topology. SAS HBAs each containing an SAS expander, connect elements internal to each server with elements external to each. This cascaded DAS clustering enables bi-directional traffic from each server in the cluster to all other servers and their attached drives.

Server direct attached storage shared through physical SAS expanders

A data storage system includes a first server including: a first plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a first host bus adapter including a first processor configured to provide a first virtual expander and a first logic component; and a second server including: a second plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a second host bus adapter including a second processor configured to provide a second virtual expander and a second logic component, wherein the first host bus adapter of the first server is coupled to the second host bus adapter of the second server via a SAS connection, and wherein each of the first plurality of storage disks and the second plurality of storage disks are accessible by each of the first server and the second server.

Server direct attached storage shared through virtual SAS expanders

The invention provides a data storage topology that includes a master logging node where the event logs for all of the nodes may be stored on a consolidated basis. The master logging node is configured with a sufficient amount of reserved or additional data storage to accommodate the event logging requirement for the entire data storage topology. The other expanders in the topology may remain at a baseline model. The master logging medium may be an inexpensive persistent storage, such as a flash chip or USB key. The master logging expander may pull the event logs and other information from the remote expanders or, alternatively, the remote expanders may push their event logs and other information to the master logging node. In particular embodiments, the pull or push configuration may be implemented through preexisting SAS protocols.

Growing community of inventors

Wichita, KS, United States of America

Luiz Varchavtchik