NVMe over Fabric Packet Forwarding via Switch Path Selection

The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary device that handles path selection and multipath management functions. Instead of integrating complex multipath software into the host operating system, the switch acts as a mediator that receives NVMe commands from the host, selects appropriate paths to target storage devices, and manages redundancy at the network level. This transfers the complexity from the host software to the network infrastructure.

The patent extracts the multipath management functionality from the host operating system and relocates it to the switch. By taking out the path selection and redundancy control logic from the software layer and implementing it in the network device, the solution eliminates software compatibility issues while maintaining reliable path management.

The switch serves as an intermediary that handles path management independently of the host operating system. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve redundancy backup without requiring operating system-specific multipath software, as the path selection logic resides in the network device rather than the host software.

The switch implements universal path management functionality that works across different operating systems. By providing a standardized interface and centralized control in the network device, the system achieves multi-functionality that supports various OS environments without requiring separate software implementations for each platform.

The patent merges the advantages of PCIe protocol for high-speed local connections with the scalability of network protocols. The host connects to the switch via PCIe for fast local access, while the switch provides network-based paths to target storage devices, combining the speed benefits of PCIe with the distance and scalability benefits of network infrastructure.

The solution transitions from a single-dimension PCIe direct connection to a multi-dimensional architecture that includes both PCIe and network paths. By adding the network dimension through the switch, the system maintains high-speed PCIe connectivity for local operations while gaining long-distance and scalable access through network protocols for remote storage devices.