US6061753A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method of accessing target devices across a bus utilizing initiator identifiers
Assignee: EMC Corp
•
Filing: 1998-01-27
•
Granted: 2000-05-09
•
Expires: 2018-01-27
Abstract
Abstract A method, apparatus, and computer program product for controlling access to a target device utilizes an initiator identifier to either permit or deny access to a selected portion of the target device. To that end, a message having the initiator identifier is directed from the initiator device to the target device to request access to the selected portion of the target device. Upon receipt by the target device, it is determined if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with the selected portion of the target device. If the initiator identifier is in the permitted set, then access to the portion of the target device is permitted and the initiator can access the target in accordance with conventionally known processes.
Inventors
- 👤 George M. Ericson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:58
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/60; G06F21/62; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2141
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: A. determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and B. denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: A. determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and B. denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the message identifies the selected portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as defined by claim 1 further including the step of: C. permitting access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein step A comprises the steps of: A1. identifying which portions of the target are accessible by the initiator device; and A2. determining if the selected portion of the target is identified in step A1.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the bus is a SCSI bus and the message includes a logical unit number associated with the selected portion of the target device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the initiator identifier specifies the physical address of the initiator on the bus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the target includes a target identifier identifying the target, the initiator being connected to the bus, the step of determining including the steps of: A3. determining the identity of the bus; and A4. determining the target identifier.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the permitted set of identifiers has no more than one identifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the target device is a disk array.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the message is received by a target controller, and further wherein the target controller permits access by the initiator if the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the target device receives the message and performs step A.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the permitted set of identifiers includes a logical unit number zero.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: means for determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and means for denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: means for determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and means for denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the message identifies the selected portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 further including: means for permitting access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the determining means comprises: means for identifying which portions of the target are accessible by the initiator device; and means for determining if the selected portion of the target is identified by the identifying means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the bus is a SCSI bus and the message includes a logical unit number associated with the selected portion of the target device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the target device is a disk array.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the target includes a target identifier identifying the target, the initiator being connected to the bus, the means for determining including: means for determining the identity of the bus; and means for determining the target identifier.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the permitted set of identifiers has no more than one identifier.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the initiator identifier specifies the physical location of the initiator on the bus.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the message is received by a target controller, and further wherein the target controller permits access by the initiator if the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the target device includes means for receiving the message and the determining means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein the initiator has a specified configuration, the apparatus further including: a driver having the specified configuration for processing messages received by the initiator; and means for associating the initiator identifier with the driver.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: program code for determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and program code for permitting access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a message that is transmitted to the target device, the message including the initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: program code for determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with a selected portion of the target device; and program code for permitting access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the message identifies the selected portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 further including: program code for denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
54 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the program code for determining comprises: program code for identifying which portions of the target are accessible by the initiator device; and program code for determining if the selected portion of the target is identified by the execution of the program code for identifying.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the bus is a SCSI bus and the message includes a logical unit number associated with the selected portion of the target device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the target device is a disk array.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the target includes a target identifier identifying the target, the initiator being connected to the bus, the program code for determining including: program code for determining the identity of the bus; and program code for determining the target identifier.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the permitted set of identifiers has no more than one identifier.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the initiator identifier specifies the physical location of the initiator on the bus.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 25 wherein the target device includes program code for receiving the message and the program code for determining.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: A. determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; B. identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and C. producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: A. determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; B. identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and C. producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method as defined by claim 35 whereby in response to receipt of the reply message by the initiator device, the initiator device produces an access message, the method further comprising the step of: D. permitting access, by the initiator device, to the at least zero portions of the target device in response to receipt of the access message, the access message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method as defined by claim 36 wherein the bus operates in accord with a specified bus protocol, step B comprising the step of: B1. mapping the initiator identifier to the at least zero portions of the target device; and B2. identifying the at least zero portions in accord with the bus protocol.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined by claim 35 wherein step B comprises the step of: B1. locating an access set having data identifying any portion of the target to which the initiator may access.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: means for determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; means for identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and means for producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: means for determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; means for identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and means for producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 39 wherein the bus operates in accord with a specified bus protocol, the means for identifying including: means for mapping the initiator identifier to the at least zero portions of the target device; and means for identifying the at least zero portions in accord with the bus protocol.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 39 whereby in response to receipt of the reply message by the initiator device, the initiator device produces an access message, the apparatus further comprising: means for permitting access, by the initiator device, to the at least zero portions of the target device in response to receipt of the access message, the access message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 39 wherein the identifying means comprises: means for locating an access set having data identifying any portion of the target to which the initiator may access.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
153 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: program code for determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; program code for identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and program code for producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
153 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access to a target device by an initiator device, the target device and initiator device each connected to a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the initiator device producing a probe message that is transmitted to the target device, the probe message including the initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: program code for determining the initiator identifier from the probe message; program code for identifying, based upon the initiator identifier, at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device; and program code for producing a reply message that is transmitted to the initiator device, the reply message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device that are accessible to the initiator device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 43 wherein the bus operates in accord with a specified bus protocol, the program code for identifying including: program code for mapping the initiator identifier to the at least zero portions of the target device; and program code for identifying the at least zero portions in accord with the bus protocol.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
75 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 43 whereby in response to receipt of the reply message by the initiator device, the initiator device produces an access message, the computer program product further comprising: program code for permitting access, by the initiator device, to the at least zero portions of the target device in response to receipt of the access message, the access message identifying the at least zero portions of the target device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 43 wherein the program code for identifying comprises: program code for locating an access set having data identifying any portion of the target to which the initiator may access.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
92 words
A target device for access by an initiator, the initiators being identified by an initiator identifier, the target device comprising: a plurality of logical units; means for ascertaining the initiator identifier; and a target controller including means for permitting access by the initiator to a permitted set of the plurality of logical units target, the permitted set being less than all of the logical units in the target, the target controller further including a memory for storing mapping data for mapping the initiator identifier to those logical units in the permitted set.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
92 words
A target device for access by an initiator, the initiators being identified by an initiator identifier, the target device comprising: a plurality of logical units; means for ascertaining the initiator identifier; and a target controller including means for permitting access by the initiator to a permitted set of the plurality of logical units target, the permitted set being less than all of the logical units in the target, the target controller further including a memory for storing mapping data for mapping the initiator identifier to those logical units in the permitted set.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
89 words
The target device as defined by claim 47 wherein the plurality of logical units are identified by the target by a first set of logical unit identifiers in a first format, the target device further including: a receiving port for receiving a request message from initiators, each message including a second set of logical unit identifiers for identifying a set of logical units on the target to which access is requested by such initiator; means for converting the identifiers in the second set of identifiers into the first format.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The target device as defined by claim 48 wherein the converting means converts at least one of the logical unit identifiers in the second set of identifiers into a logical unit number zero.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The target device as defined by claim 47 wherein the ascertaining means includes means for receiving a message from the initiator.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The target device as defined by claim 47 further including means for denying access if the initiator identifier is not mapped to the permitted set.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first driver for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; providing a second driver for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; if the message has the first initiator identifier, directing the message to the first driver; and if the message has the second initiator identifier, directing the message to the second driver.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first driver for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; providing a second driver for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; if the message has the first initiator identifier, directing the message to the first driver; and if the message has the second initiator identifier, directing the message to the second driver.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined by claim 52 further including the step of: permitting access by the first initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the message is the first initiator identifier.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined by claim 52 further including the step of: permitting access by the second initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the message is the second initiator identifier.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: a first driver for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; a second driver for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; a receiver for receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; means for directing the access message to the first driver if the access message has the first initiator identifier; and means for directing the access message to the second driver if the access message has the second initiator identifier.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the apparatus comprising: a first driver for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; a second driver for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; a receiver for receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; means for directing the access message to the first driver if the access message has the first initiator identifier; and means for directing the access message to the second driver if the access message has the second initiator identifier.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 55 further including: means for permitting access by the first initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the access message is the first initiator identifier.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 55 further including: means for permitting access by the second initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the access message is the second initiator identifier.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
152 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: driver program code for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; driver program code for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; program code for receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; program code for directing the message to the first driver if the message has the first initiator identifier; and program code for directing the message to the second driver if the message has the second initiator identifier.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
152 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for controlling access to a target by two initiators on a bus, the first initiator having a first configuration and first initiator identifier, the second initiator having a second configuration and a second initiator identifier, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code including: driver program code for interpreting the first configuration and facilitating access by the first initiator; driver program code for interpreting the second configuration and facilitating access by the second initiator; program code for receiving an access message having one of the first initiator identifier and the second initiator identifier; program code for directing the message to the first driver if the message has the first initiator identifier; and program code for directing the message to the second driver if the message has the second initiator identifier.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 58 further including: program code for permitting access by the first initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the message is the first initiator identifier.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 58 further including: program code for permitting access by the second initiator to the target if the initiator identifier in the message is the second initiator identifier.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the method comprising: receiving a message from the initiator device, the message including the initiator identifier and a request to access a selected portion of the target device; determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with the selected portion of the target device; and denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of controlling access by an initiator device to a target device on a bus, the initiator device being identified by an initiator identifier, the method comprising: receiving a message from the initiator device, the message including the initiator identifier and a request to access a selected portion of the target device; determining, in response to receipt of the message, if the initiator identifier is in a permitted set of identifiers associated with the selected portion of the target device; and denying access by the initiator device to the selected portion of the target device if it is determined that the initiator identifier is not in the permitted set of identifiers.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as defined by claim 61 wherein the request to access the selected portion of the target device includes a first portion identifier identifying the selected portion of the target device.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as defined by claim 62 wherein the first portion identifier identifies a virtual portion of the target device, the method further comprising: mapping the first portion identifier to an actual portion identifier, the actual portion identifier identifying the actual identity of the selected portion of the target device.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as defined by claim 61 wherein the bus comprises a plurality of ports, the initiator device being coupled with a first port on the bus, the target device being coupled with a second port on the bus.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined by claim 64 wherein the bus complies with the SCSI family of bus protocols.
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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) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-11-08 | 2004-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-09 | 2007-11-08 | 2008-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-09 | 2011-11-08 | 2012-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |