Interface Module With Multi-Protocol Firmware Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems require hardware and software changes to switch network protocols, leading to prolonged downtime and inefficiencies due to the need to replace channel boards or reconnect network cables when changing network protocols.
Innovation Solution
An interface module with a non-volatile storage area and processor that supports multiple protocol-based program codes, allowing for seamless protocol switching without firmware exchange, enabling unified hardware and software support for various network protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a CHB capable of changing network protocol is used, then there is no need to replace the CHB or reconnect the network cable, but it is not possible to designate a network protocol to be set in advance at the time of activating the CHB, requiring re-activation and causing prolonged downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple protocol-based program codes within the firmware and establishing a selection mechanism that allows the desired network protocol to be designated in advance at activation time. The activation unit reads protocol identification information from storage and automatically selects the appropriate program code, performing the protocol selection action before the CHB becomes fully operational, thus eliminating the need for re-activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible firmware structure where multiple protocol-based program codes coexist and can be dynamically selected based on the designated network protocol. The system transitions from a static single-protocol firmware to a dynamic multi-protocol firmware that adapts to different network protocols through automated selection, enabling seamless protocol switching without hardware replacement or system re-activation.
2Reliability
If separate firmware is prepared for each network protocol, then protocol-specific functionality is ensured, but hardware and software cannot be unified and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple protocol-based program codes into a single unified firmware image. Instead of maintaining separate firmware files for each network protocol, the invention combines all protocol implementations (FC, FCoE, Fibre Channel over UDP, etc.) within one firmware, using a selection mechanism to activate the appropriate protocol. This unification simplifies firmware management while preserving protocol-specific functionality through conditional execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single firmware that can support multiple network protocols through a unified structure. The firmware contains a common framework that can load and execute different protocol-based program codes based on the designated network protocol, making the CHB universally compatible with various storage network protocols without requiring separate firmware versions for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface module includes: a non-volatile storage area that stores one or more versions of firmware and a mode file; and a processor that executes a program code included in the firmware, in which each version of the firmware includes: a plurality of protocol-based program codes; and an activation unit that activates at least one of the plurality of protocol-based program codes based on description of the mode file.