Gateway Proxying FC Targets as Virtual iSCSI Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for intercommunication between computer networks using different protocols, such as Fibre Channel (FC) and Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI), to facilitate low-latency communication and expansion of existing networks.
Innovation Solution
A gateway system with an iSCSI port configured to proxy multiple Fibre Channel (FC) targets as a virtual iSCSI target, allowing communication between FC and iSCSI initiators by subdividing Logical Unit Number (LUN) and Originator Exchange Identifier (OX_ID) ranges, and converting packets between protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gateway proxies multiple FC targets as a single virtual iSCSI target, then protocol interoperability and network expansion capability are improved, but device complexity and identifier management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identifier management by dividing the LUN address space into distinct ranges, where each range corresponds to a specific FC target. This segmentation allows the gateway to manage multiple FC targets through a unified iSCSI interface while maintaining organized, manageable identifier mappings between protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between FC and iSCSI networks, translating identifiers and protocols. It receives iSCSI commands with LUN identifiers, maps them to corresponding FC target identifiers, and forwards them appropriately, thereby enabling protocol interoperability without requiring direct FC-iSCSI compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If LUN ranges are subdivided and associated with multiple FC targets, then communication precision and target identification accuracy are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LUN address space is segmented into non-overlapping ranges, with each range dedicated to a specific FC target. This segmentation enables precise target identification through LUN numbering while maintaining a systematic mapping structure that simplifies the translation process between iSCSI and FC protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter organization by subdividing the LUN range into distinct intervals associated with different FC targets. This parameter reorganization allows for accurate target identification through LUN value analysis while maintaining a structured approach to identifier management that reduces processing complexity.
3Reliability
If the gateway supports multiple initiators and targets with unique identifiers, then communication reliability and data routing accuracy are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier space is segmented to provide unique mappings for multiple initiators and targets. By dividing LUN ranges and associating them with specific FC targets, the gateway ensures that each communication path maintains unique, non-conflicting identifiers, thereby guaranteeing reliable data routing while using systematic mapping to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides universal identifier translation functionality that handles multiple initiators and targets through a unified mapping mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same LUN range subdivision strategy to serve all communication pairs, reducing the need for separate management systems and lowering overall processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway includes a Fibre Channel (“FC”) port configured to couple to multiple FC targets, and an iSCSI port configured to couple to an iSCSI initiator. The iSCSI port is configured to facilitate communication between the FC targets and the iSCSI initiator, and proxy the multiple FC targets as a virtual iSCSI target. The iSCSI port is also configured to divide the Logical Unit Number (“LUN”) range into a plurality of subdivided LUN ranges, and associate the FC targets with the subdivided LUN ranges.