SAN Data Transmission Using Pointer-Based Memory Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for encapsulating and de-encapsulating Fiber Channel (FC) packets in storage area networks (SANs) are inefficient and costly when transmitting data across large distances, particularly over the Internet, which hampers the performance of SANs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves storing packets in a single memory location with reserved space for header information, using pointer information to manage segment boundaries, and eliminating the socket layer to reduce processing overhead, allowing for efficient transmission and re-transmission of packets with retained segment boundaries and headers across Internet Protocol networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional encapsulation and de-encapsulation methods are used for FC packets over the Internet, then data transmission between SANs is enabled, but processing overhead increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FC packet processing into distinct phases: encapsulation at the source SAN, Internet Protocol transmission, and de-encapsulation at the destination SAN. By segmenting the processing and using pointer information to reference packet segments in memory, the system reduces the need for complete packet copying and reduces processing overhead at intermediate nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary memory structure with pointer information that mediates between the FC packet and the Internet Protocol transmission. The pointer information acts as an intermediary reference that allows the packet to be accessed and transmitted without repeated copying, thereby reducing processing overhead while enabling efficient data transmission.
2Reliability
If packets are repeatedly copied during encapsulation and de-encapsulation processing, then complete packet processing is achieved, but buffer copying overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a selective copying approach where only essential packet segments are copied to memory locations, and pointer information is used to reference these segments. This reduces the amount of copying required compared to conventional methods that copy entire packets multiple times during processing, while still ensuring complete and reliable packet processing.
3Ease of manufacture
If segment boundaries are not retained during transmission, then packet re-transmission is simplified, but data integrity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by retaining segment boundary information during the transmission process. This allows the system to quickly re-transmit specific packet segments if needed, maintaining both data integrity through preserved boundaries and re-transmission efficiency by having the segmentation information already in place.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for efficient transmission of data between storage area networks. According to some aspects of the invention, novel methods are provided for processing data packets sent by, or received from, a storage area network. Some such aspects of the invention involve storing a packet (or a portion of a packet) in a single memory location during an encapsulation or de-encapsulation process. Instead of repeatedly copying the packet during processing, pointer information is passed along that indicates the single memory location. In some aspects of the invention, the segment boundaries of a packet are retained after data transmission. If data in the packet need to be re-transmitted, the packet is re-transmitted with the same segment boundaries.