Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Stephen A Wiley

Christian Cadieux

John C Schell

Jamie D Riggs

Wayne Munson

A method and system for performing diagnostic testing to speed the computer boot process. A boot process is initiated and an error counter value is read in any of memory, input/output, central processing, networking, mass storage, or other computing subsystems. The error counter values are compared to subsystem error thresholds. The method includes identifying subsets of subsystems with error counters exceeding error thresholds and then, performing diagnostic tests only on this subset of subsystems as part of the boot process. The error counter may be a correctable error counter that is incremented by an operating system error handler as it isolates subsystem errors. The method includes identifying subsystems in service less than a predefined time threshold by comparing a value stored in a power-on hours field in each subsystem to time thresholds, and including these modules in the tested subset.

System and method for diagnostic test innovation

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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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Stephen A Wiley