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US6014383A
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System and method for controlling multiple initiators in a fibre channel environment
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
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Filing: 1997-02-10
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Granted: 2000-01-11
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Expires: 2017-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A computer system with a plurality of devices compatible with the Fibre Channel Protocol, wherein at least two of which devices are initiators. The computer system is provided with the capability to control and manage multiple initiators configured in an Arbitrated Loop. This capability is realized by manipulating the contents in outstanding -- link -- services arrays associated with the initiators.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. McCarty
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:59
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/16; G06F11/20; G06F11/2002; G06F11/2007; G06F11/201; H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/42; H04L12/427; H04L12/433; H04L67/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/10; H04L67/104; H04L67/1042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
In a Fibre Channel (FC) communication environment, said environment includes a plurality of FC devices, at least two of said FC devices are initiators, a method for managing and controlling the FC communication environment, comprising the steps of: transmitting a request frame from each of said at least two initiators to each of said plurality of FC devices; storing a first type information element associated with said request frame in conjunction with said step of transmitting a request frame; and sending a response frame from each of said at least two initiators without storing a second type information element associated with said response frame, in response to a received request frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a Fibre Channel (FC) communication environment, said environment includes a plurality of FC devices, at least two of said FC devices are initiators, a method for managing and controlling the FC communication environment, comprising the steps of: transmitting a request frame from each of said at least two initiators to each of said plurality of FC devices; storing a first type information element associated with said request frame in conjunction with said step of transmitting a request frame; and sending a response frame from each of said at least two initiators without storing a second type information element associated with said response frame, in response to a received request frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of completing a Loop Initialization process associated with an Arbitrated Loop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of processing by each of said at least two initiators of said response frame received in response to said request frame without manipulating the contents of a payload associated with said response frame.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for managing and controlling a Fibre Channel (FC) communication environment, the system comprising: a first initiator for initiating transmission of a request frame from each of said at least two initiators to each of said plurality of FC devices after storing a first type information element associated with said request frame; and a second initiator for initiating transmission of a response frame from each of said at least two initiators without storing a second type information element associated with said response frame.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for managing and controlling a Fibre Channel (FC) communication environment, the system comprising: a first initiator for initiating transmission of a request frame from each of said at least two initiators to each of said plurality of FC devices after storing a first type information element associated with said request frame; and a second initiator for initiating transmission of a response frame from each of said at least two initiators without storing a second type information element associated with said response frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the first initiator is for initializing an Arbitrated Loop.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the initiator is for processing a response frame received in response to said request frame without manipulating the contents of a payload associated with said received response frame.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for operating an Arbitrated Loop topology, said Arbitrated Loop topology includes at least two initiators, comprising the steps of: completing a Loop Initialization step; storing a type information element associated with a request frame to be sent by each of said at least two initiators; sending said request frame from each of said at least two initiators; and sending a response frame from each of said at least two initiators, said response frame being transmitted in response to receiving said request frame.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for operating an Arbitrated Loop topology, said Arbitrated Loop topology includes at least two initiators, comprising the steps of: completing a Loop Initialization step; storing a type information element associated with a request frame to be sent by each of said at least two initiators; sending said request frame from each of said at least two initiators; and sending a response frame from each of said at least two initiators, said response frame being transmitted in response to receiving said request frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the step of processing by each of said at least two initiators of said response frame received in response to said request frame without manipulating the contents of a payload associated with said response frame.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-10 | 2003-07-12 | 2004-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-10 | 2007-07-12 | 2008-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-10 | 2011-07-12 | 2012-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |