Ethernet to Fibre Channel Protocol Conversion Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of converged switch systems that support multiple communication protocols, such as Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), makes it economically challenging for users to establish communication between Ethernet and Fibre Channel information handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A protocol conversion system with a chassis housing an Ethernet interface, a Fibre Channel interface, and a protocol conversion processor that converts Ethernet protocol signals to Fibre Channel protocol signals and vice versa, enabling direct communication between Ethernet and Fibre Channel devices without the need for expensive converged switch systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If converged switch systems supporting multiple communication protocols (e.g., Fibre Channel over Ethernet) are used to enable communication between Ethernet and Fibre Channel devices, then protocol compatibility and communication capability are improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: an Ethernet interface module, a Fibre Channel interface module, and a protocol conversion processor. Each module handles a specific protocol or conversion task independently, allowing the system to achieve multi-protocol support without requiring a single expensive converged switch. This segmentation enables cost-effective implementation by using dedicated, simpler components rather than a complex multi-protocol platform.
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol conversion processor is introduced as an intermediary component between the Ethernet interface and the Fibre Channel interface. This mediator performs protocol translation, converting Ethernet protocol signals to Fibre Channel protocol signals and vice versa, thereby enabling communication between devices using different protocols without requiring either device to support multiple protocols natively. This intermediary approach achieves protocol compatibility through a dedicated conversion function rather than through expensive multi-protocol hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive converged network adapters are deployed to enable Fibre Channel traffic over Ethernet infrastructure, then communication capability between different protocol systems is improved, but economic feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective protocol conversion components rather than expensive converged network adapters. The Ethernet interface, Fibre Channel interface, and protocol conversion processor are implemented as affordable, dedicated components that perform their specific functions efficiently. This approach replaces costly multi-functional adapters with simpler, cheaper specialized components, improving economic feasibility while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion processor serves as a mediator that enables Fibre Channel traffic to traverse Ethernet infrastructure through protocol translation. Rather than requiring expensive converged adapters in each endpoint device, the intermediary converter performs the protocol translation function centrally, allowing standard Ethernet and Fibre Channel devices to communicate through the conversion node. This intermediary approach achieves the same communication capability at lower cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented through software-based solutions on general-purpose hardware, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but processing speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based protocol conversion with hardware-based conversion implemented in dedicated protocol conversion processors. These processors use specialized hardware circuits and logic to perform protocol translation directly at the hardware level, eliminating the need for software interpretation and processing. This hardware substitution significantly improves processing speed and efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle different protocol conversions through configurable hardware logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion processor is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple protocol conversion scenarios (Ethernet to Fibre Channel, Fibre Channel to Ethernet, and potentially other protocol pairs). By implementing universal conversion logic in hardware, the system achieves both flexibility (ability to handle different protocols) and high performance (fast processing speeds), resolving the trade-off between adaptability and productivity that plagues software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion system includes a chassis having a first end and a second end that is located opposite the chassis from the first end. An Ethernet interface is located on the first end and is configured to directly mate with an Ethernet port on an Ethernet device. A Fiber Channel interface is located on the second end. An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is housed in the chassis and configured to receive Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface, convert the Ethernet protocol signals to Fiber Channel protocol signals, and send the Fiber Channel protocol signals through the Fiber Channel interface. The Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is also configured to receive Fiber channel protocol signals from the Fiber Channel IHS through the Fiber Channel interface, convert the Fiber channel protocol signals to Ethernet protocol signals, and send the Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface.