Multi-Protocol Switch Frame Order Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current frame order control methods in multi-protocol storage area networks (SANs) are ineffective in managing frame order for devices supporting both in-order and out-of-order frame sequencing protocols, leading to issues like frame drops, retransmissions, and misdirection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a multi-protocol switch processing device that converts incoming frames based on the supported protocols of host and storage devices, ensuring frame order is maintained by determining the sequencing requirements of each device and converting frames accordingly, thereby facilitating effective communication between devices with different protocol requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock and release mechanisms are implemented to control frame order, then frame order is maintained for in-order protocols, but frame processing is blocked for out-of-order protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame order control by determining the sequencing requirements of each protocol pair and applying appropriate control mechanisms selectively. The system dynamically adjusts between in-order and out-of-order frame handling based on the specific host and storage device protocol requirements, rather than using a static lock-and-release approach for all frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different frame order control strategies to different protocol combinations locally. Instead of a uniform approach, the system identifies the specific protocols supported by the host and storage device and applies the appropriate frame sequencing control (in-order or out-of-order) tailored to each protocol pair's requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocols requiring different frame sequencing are supported, then device versatility is improved, but frame drops and retransmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frame sequencing parameter based on the protocol requirements of the host and storage device. The system identifies which protocols require in-order frame sequencing and which allow out-of-order sequencing, then adjusts the frame handling behavior accordingly to maintain reliability across different protocol combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-protocol switch processing device acts as an intermediary that mediates between host and storage devices with different protocol requirements. It converts incoming frames based on the supported protocols and applies appropriate frame order control, serving as a bridge that reconciles different sequencing requirements between connected devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-protocol frame conversion is implemented, then device interoperability is improved, but frame misdirection and out-of-order delivery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the protocols supported by the host and storage device before frame conversion. By determining the sequencing requirements in advance, the system can apply the appropriate frame order control mechanism before frames are processed and forwarded, preventing frame misdirection and out-of-order delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from protocol identification to adjust frame conversion behavior. By monitoring which protocols are supported by the connected devices, the multi-protocol switch processing device adapts its frame handling strategy to maintain sequence integrity while enabling interoperability between different protocol types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and device that sends an outgoing storage device frame to a storage device, the outgoing storage device frame converted from an incoming storage device frame received from a host device based on a protocol supported by the storage device. An incoming host device frame is received from the storage device in response to the outgoing storage device frame. Whether an outgoing host device frame has been sent to the host device is determined, the outgoing host device frame converted from the incoming host device frame based on a protocol supported by the host device, wherein the protocol supported by the host device requires a different frame sequencing than the protocol supported by the storage device. A next incoming storage device frame received from the host device is retrieved when the outgoing host device frame is determined to have been sent to the host device.