Bridge for Converged Network Protocol Between Ethernet and Fibre Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved techniques to integrate legacy Ethernet networks with Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) networks to enable lossless communication with Fibre Channel fabrics without requiring expensive upgrades to Ethernet adaptors that support FCoE.
Innovation Solution
A bridge system that implements a converged network protocol, allowing communication between legacy Ethernet and Fibre Channel networks by using a first adaptor for legacy Ethernet and a second adaptor for FCoE, with configured parameters in memory to support the converged protocol, enabling packet forwarding and function implementation between the two adaptors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy Ethernet adaptors are replaced with FCoE-supporting adaptors to enable communication with Fibre Channel networks, then communication capability and performance are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A bridge device is introduced as an intermediary between legacy Ethernet networks and FCoE networks. The bridge includes a first adaptor for Ethernet communication and a second adaptor for FCoE communication, enabling legacy Ethernet adaptors to communicate with Fibre Channel networks without upgrading to expensive FCoE-capable adaptors. The bridge implements protocol conversion and parameter configuration to facilitate this communication.
2Reliability
If protocol conversion is implemented to allow legacy Ethernet adaptors to communicate with FCoE networks, then cost is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various communication protocols and operations. It can perform Ethernet communication, FCoE communication, packet forwarding, parameter configuration, and implementation of converged network protocol functions. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components.
3Productivity
If FCoE protocol functions are implemented between legacy Ethernet and FCoE adaptors, then communication efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases due to parameter configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is configured with stored parameters that enable it to automatically perform FCoE protocol functions and packet forwarding operations between legacy Ethernet and FCoE adaptors. The system uses pre-configured parameters in memory to guide communication operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex operational procedures while maintaining communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A first adaptor implements a first communication protocol and a second adaptor implements a converged network protocol, which facilitates communication of packets encoded with a second communication protocol with a third communication protocol network. Parameters are configured in a memory for communication between the first adaptor and the second adaptor in the converged network protocol to indicate to the second adaptor that the converged network protocol is supported, wherein the first adaptor does not support the converged network protocol. A packet is received at the first adaptor encoded in the second communication protocol and forwarded to the second adaptor to forward to the third communication protocol network. A command is received at the second adaptor, directed to the first adaptor, to implement a function in the converged network protocol using the parameters in the memory to support transmission of packets between the first and the second adaptors.