iSCSI/SAS Router Virtualizing Storage Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a method to enable communication between Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) devices and Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) devices, restricting SAS devices to limited operating distances and preventing seamless integration into Storage Area Networks (SANs) due to the absence of SAS to iSCSI converters.
Innovation Solution
An iSCSI/SAS router with multiple iSCSI and SAS interfaces, coupled with mapping and routing logic, virtualizes SAS and iSCSI devices to facilitate communication across both protocols, allowing SAS devices to operate within iSCSI networks and vice versa, thereby extending communication distances and enabling integration into iSCSI environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SAS devices are used for storage connectivity, then data transfer speed and addressable device capacity are improved, but operating distance is limited to 6-7 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an iSCSI/SAS router as an intermediary device that bridges SAS and iSCSI networks. The router includes SAS interfaces for direct high-speed connectivity and iSCSI interfaces for networked communication, converting between SAS and iSCSI protocols to enable extended distance communication while maintaining high data transfer speeds.
2Length of stationary object
If iSCSI standard is used for storage connectivity, then communication distance is unlimited and network flexibility is improved, but protocol compatibility with SAS devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The iSCSI/SAS router is designed with multi-functionality to support both SAS and iSCSI protocols simultaneously. It includes multiple SAS interfaces for direct storage connectivity and multiple iSCSI interfaces for network communication, enabling a single device to serve both protocol ecosystems and provide universal access to storage resources.
3Reliability
If SAS devices are restricted to point-to-point connectivity, then signal integrity is maintained, but network scalability and integration flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage network into distinct SAS and iSCSI domains, with the iSCSI/SAS router serving as a gateway between them. SAS devices maintain point-to-point connectivity for signal integrity within the SAS domain, while the router handles protocol conversion and routing to enable scalable network integration through iSCSI interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for enabling communication between iSCSI/SAS host devices and iSCSI/SAS target devices via an iSCSI/SAS router is disclosed. In one embodiment, an iSCSI/SAS router includes iSCSI interfaces, SAS interfaces, and a mapping and routing logic. The mapping and routing logic is coupled to the iSCSI interfaces and the SAS interfaces. The mapping and routing logic virtualizes one or more SAS host and target devices to communicate with discovered one or more iSCSI host and target devices. Further, the mapping and routing logic virtualizes the one or more iSCSI host and target devices to communicate with discovered one or more SAS host and target devices.