`-
`n
`\0
`
`........,.
`
`u:.;;;;;;;;:;;;
`
`,
`
`Cl
`
`PTO/SB/05 (09-00) +
`A
`
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002 OMB 0651-0032
`
`Please type a plus sign ( +) inside this box ~ 0
`~ ~ Under the Paperwork Reduct1on Act of 1995, no persons are requ1red to respond to a ~\~~i~~don~~;~~~n°~~f:~s ~-~s~~:SAaRJa~~g~~~o~?~~~~; '
`a
`~====c '""---------------------------------,~--------------~--------------------------------------~
`Attorney Docket No. I 51876p219
`tn
`UTILITY
`First Inventor or Application Identifier I Sung-Hoon Baek
`PATENT APPLICATION
`~
`ci
`Title I APPARATUSFORREDUNDANTINTERCONNECTIONBETWEENMUI..: -a:
`TRANSMITTAL
`Express Mail Label No. I
`em014066885us
`
`(Only for new nonproviSIOnal appl!cahons under 37 CFR 1 53{b}}
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning ufility patent application contents
`1 ~ Fee Transmittal Form (e.g. PTO/SB/17)
`·
`(Submit an original, and a duplicc;te tor fee processing)
`2 1'0'1 Applicant claims small ent1ty status.
`. ~ See 37 CFR 1.27.
`
`TdaJPcg:s
`
`3.1ZJ Specification
`(preferred arrangement set forth below)
`- Descriptive title of the Invention
`- Cross References to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R & D
`- Reference to sequence listing, a table,
`or a computer program listing appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed )
`- Detailed Description
`-Ciaim(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`4. ~ Drawing(s) (35 U.S.C.113)
`
`TdaJEreels
`
`5. Oath or Declaration
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`. ....,
`
`7.
`
`0
`
`CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`Computer Program (Appendix)
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, all necessary)
`a. 0
`Computer Readable Form (CFR)
`
`b. 0
`
`Specification Sequence L1st1ng on.
`
`1. D CD-ROM or CD-R (2 cop1es), or
`ii D Paper
`
`Statement venfymg 1dent1ty of above oopies
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9.!ZI
`
`10.0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement 0
`(when there is an assignee)
`English Translation Document (if applicable)
`
`Power of Attorney
`
`Information Disclosure
`Statement (IDS)/PTO- 1449
`
`~ Copies of IDS
`Citations
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`11.0
`12.~
`13. 0
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`14.~
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15.~
`Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`Request and Certification under 35 USC 122(b)(2)(B)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or its equivalent.
`Other: Request. fo:r .priority . . . . . . . ..... .
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`i.
`
`Newly executed (original copy)
`
`Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63{d))
`(for conttnuatiOIV'divisional with Box 18 completed)
`
`D DELETION OF INVENTOR(S\
`
`Signed statement attached deleting
`inventor(s) named in the prior application,
`see 37 CFR 1.63{d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6. D Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76.
`
`16.0
`
`17.!ZI
`
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropnate box, and supply the requisite information below and in a preliminary amendment:
`0 Continuation 0 Divisional 0 Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`of prior application No: ___ ,/ ______ _
`Prior application Information: Examiner
`Group/Art Unit: ______ _
`For CONTINUATION or DIVISIONAL APPS only: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from wh1ch an oath or declaration IS supplied under Box 4b,
`is cons1dered a part of the disclosure of the acoompany1ng continuation or divisional application and is hereby incorporated by reference. The incorporation
`can only be relied upon when a portion has been Inadvertently om1tted from the submitted application parts.
`
`181 Customer Number of Bar Code Label
`
`17. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`~~~~~----------------------~
`lllllllll"'"""""'""""'l,:. (J' D
`Correspondence address below
`
`r ................... liUilllliiiiiiiir
`
`Name
`
`Address
`
`City
`Country
`
`*08791*
`~
`BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
`
`12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Seventh Floor
`
`Los Angeles
`U.S.A.
`
`I State
`Telephone
`
`I California
`I (310) 2o7-38oo
`
`I Zip Code
`I Fax
`
`I 9oo2s
`I (310) 820-5988
`
`Signature
`
`Name (Prmi!Type)
`
`Thomas M. Coester, Reg. No. 39,637
`;;/: X..
`A 4 ( ~j)LJ./.;c
`Burden Hour Statement Th1s form IS est1mated to take 0.2 hours to complete. T1me w11l vary dependmg upon the needs of the individual case. Any
`oomments on the amount of t1me you are reqUired to oomplete this form should be sent to the Ch1ef Information Officer, Patent and Trademark Off1ce,
`Washington, DC 20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO Ass1stant Commissioner for Patents,
`Box Patent Application, Wash1ngton, DC 20231.
`
`+
`
`\.~
`
`1
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`PTO/SB/17 (09-00)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. OMB 0651-0032
`Patent and Trademark Office: US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of 1nformat1on unless it displays a valid OMB contra~ number . ,.
`Complete if Known
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`for FY 2001
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($)
`
`Application Number
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor
`Examiner Name
`Group Art Unit
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`395.00
`
`Sung-Hoon Baek, et al.
`
`51876p219
`
`Petent fees are subject to annual revision.
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT
`
`(check one)
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`
`3. ADDITIONAL FEE
`
`1. ~ The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge
`indicated fees and credit any over payments to.
`I Fee
`Account I
`
`Fee Description
`
`Code
`105
`127
`
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee
`($) Code
`($)
`65 Surcharge -late filing fee or oath
`130 205
`25 Surcharge -late provisional filing fee or
`50 227
`cover sheet.
`130 Non-English specification
`130 139
`139
`147 2,520 147 2, 520 For filing a request for ex parte reexamination
`112
`92d' 112
`92d' Requesting publication of SIR prior to
`Examiner action
`
`113 1 ,840' 113 1 ,840' Requesting publication of SIR after
`Examiner action
`55 Extension for response within first month
`110 215
`115
`195 Extension for response within second month
`390 216
`116
`117
`445 Extension for response within third month
`890 217
`118 1,390 218
`695 Extension for response within fourth month
`128 1,890 228
`945 Extension for response within fifth month
`155 Notioe of Appeal
`310 219
`1 55 Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`310 220
`120
`1 35 Request for oral hearing
`270 221
`121
`138 1,510 138 1 , 51 0 Pennon to institute a public use proceeding
`55 Pet1t1on to revive - unavoidably
`140
`110 240
`620 Petition to revive - umntent1onally
`141 1,240 241
`142 1,240 242
`620 Ublily issue fee (or reissue)
`143
`440 243
`220 Design issue fee
`144
`300 Plant issue fee
`600 244
`130 122
`130 Petitions to the Commissioner
`50 Pet1t1ons related to provisional applications
`50 123
`180 126
`180 Submission of Information Disclosure Stmt
`40 581
`40 Recording each patent assignment per
`property {times number of properties)
`355 Filing a submission after flnal rejection
`(37 CFR 1.129(a))
`355 For each additional invention to be
`examined {37 CFR 1.129{b))
`355 Request for Continued Examination (RCE)
`
`Fee Paid
`
`4C
`
`Deposit
`
`Number
`
`02-2666
`
`'Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLPj
`
`Depos1t
`Account
`Name
`~ Charge Any Add1t1onal Fee Requ1red
`Under 37CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`~ Applicant claims small ent1ty status.
`See 37 CFR 1 27
`2. 0 Payment Enclosed:
`0 Check 0 Money 0 Other
`Order
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`1. FILING FEE
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`($) Code
`($)
`Code
`
`Fee Description
`
`Fee Paid
`
`::; -
`
`106 320 206 160 Design filing fee
`107 490 207 245 Plant filing fee
`108 710 208 355 Reissue filing fee
`114 150 214
`75 Provisional filing fee
`
`SUBTOTAL (1)
`
`j{$)
`
`355.0§1
`
`2. EXTRA CLAIM FEES
`Fee from
`Extra Claims below
`
`Fee Paid
`
`~~~~~ndent
`Multiple Dependent
`
`1
`
`-3** = 0
`
`X $40.0 =
`=
`
`0.0
`
`Fee Description
`
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`($) Code
`Code
`($)
`103
`18 203
`9 Claims in exoess of 20
`102
`80 202
`Independent claims in exoess of 3
`40
`104 270 204 135 Multiple Dependent claim
`109
`**Reissue independent claims
`80 209
`40
`over original patent
`**Reissue claims in excess of 20
`and over ongif'la~ patpat
`o.oq
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`($)
`Hornuntlerof (JifMWSiypaid, If greatg; For Reissues, see alxMi
`
`110
`
`18 210
`
`9
`
`101 710 201 355 Utility filmg fee ~ 119
`TOOl"""' rn-20'" =EEJ T'l Pi 122
`
`123
`126
`581
`
`146
`
`710 246
`
`149
`
`710 249
`
`179
`
`710 279
`
`169
`
`900 169
`
`900
`
`Request for expedited examination
`of a design application
`
`Other fee (specify)
`
`* Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`SUBTOTAL
`
`(3) 1($)
`
`40.0§1
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`Typed or
`Printed Name
`
`Thomas M. Coester, Reg. No. 39,637
`
`Signature
`
`dJI~.~
`
`User ID
`l:lurden HOur titatement: 1 n1s torrn IS est1mated to taKe 0.2 hours to complete. 11me Will vary depending upon the needs of the Individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you are required to complete lh1s form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, Patent and Trademark Office,
`Washington, DC 20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Ass1stant Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application, Washington, DC 20231
`'
`
`Reg. Number
`
`I Datei/;;(J- '/ jt'O Deposit Account 02-2666
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`
`2
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`Our Ref. No.: 51876.P219
`Express Mail No. EM014066885US
`
`UTILITY APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT
`
`FOR
`
`APPARATUS FOR REDUNDANT INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN MULTIPLE
`HOSTS AND RAID
`
`Inventor(s):
`
`Sung-Hoon Baek et al.
`
`3
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`APPARATUS FOR REDUNDANT INTERCONNECTION
`
`BETWEEN MULTIPLE HOSTS AND RAID
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`5
`
`The present invention relates to an apparatus for a redundant
`
`interconnection between multiple host computers and a redundant
`
`arrays of inexpensive disks (hereinafter, referred to as 'RAID' ) ;
`
`and, more particularly,
`
`to an apparatus
`
`for
`
`a
`
`redundant
`
`10
`
`interconnection between multiple host computers and multiple
`
`controllers of the RAID, which is capable of supporting a fault
`
`tolerance of the RAID controllers and simultaneously heightening
`
`performance.
`
`15
`
`Prior Art of the Invention
`
`A RAID is a storage system based on a large capacity and a
`
`high performance, by using much quantity of disks, and is a fault
`
`tolerant system in which the disks or controllers etc. have a
`
`20
`
`redundant nature. In general, the RAID has two controllers, which
`
`are used like a method shown in Fig. 1 or 2.
`
`Fig. 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing a general
`
`connection method between the host computers and the RAID having
`
`the conventional two controllers.
`
`25
`
`As shown in the drawing, such system independently uses two
`
`RAID controllers 140, 141, and has an independent connection with
`
`network interface controllers 110, 111 of the host computers. That
`
`1
`
`4
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`is, such system has twice the bandwidth and twice the performance.
`
`However, there is such a problem that a loss of data occurs when
`
`one out of two RAID controllers 140,141 has a trouble, in other
`
`words, this system does not become the fault tolerant system.
`
`5
`
`Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a general host
`
`interface system having a communication interface for an error
`
`recovery between the conventional two controllers.
`
`In order to provide fault tolerance not provided in Fig. 1,
`
`two RAID controllers 230, 231 and host computers 200, 201 are
`
`10
`
`connected with each other through a hub or switch 210 in one network.
`
`Thus, even though one RAID controller 230 or 231 has a trouble,
`
`all of the host computers 200, 201 are connected to a RAID controller
`
`that does not have a trouble. That is, this RAID controller not
`
`having the trouble serves as a role of the controller that has the
`
`15
`
`trouble. Also, since the RAID controllers 230, 231 should exchange
`
`information with each other by preparing in advance against some
`
`trouble, the RAID controllers 230, 231 are connected with each other
`
`through communication controllers 221, 222. However, in this case
`
`only a half of performance for the bandwidth provided in Fig. 1
`
`20
`
`can be obtained.
`
`Fig. 3 is an exemplary block diagram showing a wiring method
`
`between a conventional RAID and the host computers.
`
`The construction shown in the drawing partially represents
`
`a systematic connection between a RAID and host computers, which
`
`25
`
`is extracted from contents disclosed in the U.S. Patent No.
`
`5,812,754. However, this construction has no any difference from
`
`that of Fig. 2, in the structure of a communication network, and
`
`2
`
`5
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`in case that one out of two host computers 300, 301 has rather a
`
`trouble, there is caused a problem that a network is broken. Thus,
`
`this construction is inferior to the construction of Fig. 2.
`
`5
`
`Summary of the Invention
`
`Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide
`
`an apparatus for a redundant interconnection between multiple host
`
`computers and a RAID, which is capable of supporting a fault
`
`10
`
`tolerance of a RAID controller and simultaneously heightening a
`
`performance.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus for
`
`a redundant interconnection between multiple hosts and a RAID
`
`comprises a plurality of RAID controllers for processing requests
`
`15
`
`of numerous host computers connected with one another through an
`
`industrial standard communication network such as fibre channel
`
`and performing fault tolerant function; a plurality of connecting
`
`units for connecting the plurality of RAID controllers to the
`
`numerous host computers; and a plural number of network interface
`
`20
`
`controllers respectively contained into the plurality of RAID
`
`controllers,
`
`the network
`
`interface controllers being
`
`for
`
`exchanging information directly with each of opposite network
`
`interface controllers provided within the numerous host computers
`
`and within opposite RAID controllers, through the plurality of
`
`25
`
`connecting units.
`
`3
`
`6
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`The above and other objects and features of the instant
`
`invention will become apparent from the following description of
`
`5
`
`preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
`
`drawings,
`
`in which:
`
`Fig.
`
`1 is an exemplary block diagram showing a general
`
`connection
`
`system between host computers and a RAID having
`
`conventional two controllers;
`
`10
`
`Fig. 2 indicates an exemplary block diagram of a general host
`
`interface system having a communication interface for an error
`
`recovery between the conventional two controllers;
`
`Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a wiring
`
`method between a conventional RAID and host computers;
`
`15
`
`Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a host
`
`interface system as an internal installment system between a RAID
`
`and host computers in accordance with the present invention;
`
`Fig. 5 depicts a block diagram providing one embodiment of
`
`a host interface system as an external installment system between
`
`20
`
`a RAID and host computers in the present invention; and
`
`Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a host
`
`interface system as a network switch between a RAID and host
`
`computers in the invention.
`
`25
`
`Preferred Embodiment of the Invention
`
`Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
`
`4
`
`7
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
`
`drawings.
`
`Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a host
`
`matching system as an internal installment system between a RAID
`
`5
`
`and host computers in accordance with the present invention.
`
`As shown in Fig. 4, in the inventive host interface system,
`
`a communication circuit is provided in order for an error recovery
`
`between two RAID controllers 460, 461, and the bandwidth between
`
`two groups as the host computers 400 to 405 and two RAID controllers
`
`10
`
`460, 461 becomes twice the single connection bandwidth. Also, in
`
`the
`
`inventive host interface system, even
`
`though one RAID
`
`controller 4 60 or 4 61 has an occurrence of a trouble, the bandwidth
`
`becomes twice the single connection bandwidth.
`
`That is to say, in a RAID 490, two RAID controllers 460, 461
`
`15
`
`and hubs 440, 441 exist, and in each of the RAID controllers 460,
`
`461, a pair of network interface controllers 470, 471; 480, 481
`
`are provided. Herewith, the hubs 440, 441 are provided to connect
`
`a system connected to these hubs by one network and maintain the
`
`network even though one system has an occurrence of a trouble or
`
`20
`
`a short of a line, and it can be as a hub or a switch. Hereinafter,
`
`they are named a "hub" altogether.
`
`Hub ports, 420 to 424, 430 to 434, shown in Fig. 4 indicate
`
`an example for a simple internal structure of a fibre channel
`
`arbitrated loop hub, and this is based on an already well-known
`
`25
`
`technique, thus there will be herein no more description therefore
`
`in the invention. The hub observes its corresponding communication
`
`network standard.
`
`5
`
`8
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`A network, in which the RAID controllers, the hubs and the
`
`host computers are connected with one another, corresponds to the
`
`industrial standard communication network such as fibre channel,
`
`asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and InfiniBand etc. and they are
`
`5
`
`hereinafter named a
`
`'network' .
`
`Network interface controllers, 410 to 415, contained into the
`
`host computers, 400 to 405, and the network interface controllers
`
`470, 471, 480, 481 of the RAID controllers 460, 461 are connected
`
`with one another by two networks through two hubs 440, 441, and
`
`10
`
`according to a sort of the networks,
`
`the network interface
`
`controller becomes a fibre channel controller, an ATM controller
`
`and an InfiniBand controller etc.
`
`At this time, a communication line, representatively shown
`
`as 450 in the drawing, for connecting the network interface
`
`15
`
`controller to the hub is a copper line or an optical fibre, which
`
`is matched to a corresponding standard.
`
`Meanwhile, two network interface controllers 4 7 0, 4 71 of the
`
`first RAID controller 4 60 are respectively connected to two
`
`different hub ports 423, 432, and two network interface controllers
`
`20
`
`480, 481 of the second RAID controller 461 are respectively
`
`connected to two different hub ports 422, 433. The rest ports 420,
`
`421, 424, 430, 431, 434 of the hubs 440, 441 are connected to the
`
`host computers 400 to 405. Just, there is no distinction between
`
`the hub ports 420 to 424 of the first hub 440 at all. Also, there
`
`25
`
`is no distinction between the hub ports 430 to 434 of the second
`
`hub 441 at all.
`
`The hub port connected to the host computer among the hub
`
`6
`
`9
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`ports of the hub 440, namely, 420, 421, 424, is more than one, and
`
`there is no limitation to the maximum number. Further, What it is
`
`connected to the host computer among the hub ports of the second
`
`hub 441, namely, 430, 431, 434, is more than one, and there is no
`
`5
`
`limitation to the maximum number. The hub ports 424, 434 and the
`
`host computers 400, 405, which are shown as dot lines in Fig. 4,
`
`mean that there is no, or more than one hub port or host computer.
`
`Since, in such construction, two independent networks are
`
`constructed; it has twice the bandwidth of the single network, and
`
`~;';,'
`
`10
`
`a communication passage between two RAID controllers needed to
`
`perform the fault tolerant function of two RAID controllers 460,
`
`461 is formed. Thus, information from the second network interface
`
`controller 4 71 of the first RAID controller 4 60 is sent to the first
`
`network interface controller 481 of the second RAID controller 461.
`
`15 Also, information from the second network interface controller 480
`
`of the second RAID controller 461 is transmitted to the first
`
`network interface controller 470 of the first RAID controller 460.
`
`Further, information from the first network interface controller
`
`4 81 of the second RAID controller 4 61 is transmitted to the second
`
`20
`
`network interface controller 471 of the first RAID controller 460,
`
`and information from the first network interface controller 470
`
`of the first RAID controller 460 is sent to the second network
`
`interface controller 480 of the second RAID controller 461.
`
`The first network interface controllers 4 7 0, 4 8 0 of two RAID
`
`25
`
`controllers 460, 461 respectively supply data of the host computers
`
`400 to 402 connected to the first hub 440 and the host computer
`
`403 to 405 connected to the second hub 441, and process information
`
`7
`
`10
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`transmitted from the opposite network interface controllers 471,
`
`481.
`
`If any one out of two RAID controllers 460, 461 has an
`
`occurrence of an error, the RAID controller having the error
`
`5
`
`occurrence is removed from the network, and a second network
`
`interface controller of an opposite RAID controller not having the
`
`error occurrence takes over a function of a first network interface
`
`controller of the RAID controller having the error occurrence.
`
`Fig. 5 is a block diagram providing one embodiment of the host
`
`10
`
`interface system as an external installation system between the
`
`RAID and the host computers in the present invention.
`
`As shown in Fig. 4, the present invention can be constructed
`
`by a method of internally installing the hubs 440, 441 in the RAID
`
`490, and as shown in Fig. 5, it can be constructed by using the
`
`15
`
`hubs 510, 520 for use of an external-installation.
`
`Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the host
`
`interface system as a network switch between the inventive RAID
`
`and host computers.
`
`As shown in the drawing, Fig. 6 can have a function of Fig.
`
`20
`
`4. In other words, information from a second network interface
`
`controller 622 of a first RAID controller 620 is sent to a first
`
`network interface controller 632 of a second RAID controller 630,
`
`and information from a second network interface controller 632 of
`
`the second RAID controller 630 is transmitted to a first network
`
`25
`
`interface controller 621 of the first RAID controller 620. Further,
`
`information from the first network interface controller 631 of the
`
`second RAID controller 630 is transmitted to the second network
`
`8
`
`11
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`interface controller 622 of the first RAID controller 620. Also,
`
`information from the first network interface controller 621 of the
`
`first RAID controller 620 is sent to the second network interface
`
`controller 632 of the second RAID controller 630.
`
`5
`
`Just, there is no distinction between respective ports,
`
`representatively 611, of a network switch 610 at all and also, the
`
`internal structure of a network switch 610 can be configured
`
`according to a selection of a user (not shown in Fig. 6).
`
`In accordance with the present invention, as afore-mentioned,
`
`10
`
`even in a case of an error occurrence in a RAID controller, there
`
`exist
`
`two
`
`independent networks and
`
`two network
`
`interface
`
`controllers, and the bandwidth of a single network can be twice
`
`maintained. Accordingly, a function of fault tolerance between two
`
`RAID controllers can be constructed without a drop of the bandwidth.
`
`15
`
`It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
`
`modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
`
`without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
`
`it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
`
`and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope
`
`20
`
`of the appended claims and their equivalents.
`
`9
`
`12
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. An apparatus for a
`
`redundant interconnection between
`
`multiple hosts and a RAID, comprising:
`
`5
`
`a plurality of RAID controlling units for processing a
`
`requirement of numerous host computers;
`
`a plurality of connecting units for connecting the plurality
`
`of RAID controlling units to the numerous host computers; and
`
`a plural number of network interface controlling units
`
`10
`
`respectively contained into the plurality of RAID controlling
`
`units, for exchanging information directly with the numerous host
`
`. computers and an opposite network interface controlling unit
`
`provided within an opposite RAID controlling units, through the
`
`plurality of connecting units.
`
`15
`
`2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said respective
`
`RAID controlling units are connected to the plurality of individual
`
`connecting units.
`
`20
`
`3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said each
`
`network interface controlling unit is constructed by a pair, namely
`
`two, and is contained into the plurality of RAID controlling units,
`
`a first network interface controlling unit of said network
`
`interface controlling unit being connected to the connecting unit
`
`25
`
`of one side and a second network interface controlling unit thereof
`
`being connected to the connecting unit of another side.
`
`10
`
`13
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said each
`
`network interface controlling unit further comprises:
`
`the first network interface controlling unit for processing
`
`the requirement of the numerous host computers; and
`
`5
`
`the second network interface controlling unit used for fault
`
`tolerance
`
`in a
`
`communication between
`
`the
`
`respective RAID
`
`controlling units when the respective RAID controlling units do
`
`not have the occurrence of the error, said second network interface
`
`controlling unit being for executing a function of the first network
`
`10
`
`interface controlling unit of the RAID controlling unit having the
`
`occurrence of the error in case that one given RAID controlling
`
`unit has the occurrence of the error.
`
`5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality
`
`15
`
`of connecting units have connection ports more than three, the two
`
`connection ports among
`
`them being connected to said network
`
`interface controlling unit and the rest connection ports thereof
`
`being provided as a hub equipment connected with the numerous host
`
`computers.
`
`20
`
`6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality
`
`of connecting units have the connection ports more than three, the
`
`two connection ports among them being connected to said network
`
`interface controlling unit and the rest connection ports thereof
`
`25
`
`being provided as a network switch equipment connected with the
`
`numerous host computers.
`
`11
`
`14
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality
`
`of connecting units have the connection ports more than five, the
`
`four connection ports among them being connected to said network
`
`interface controlling unit and the rest connection ports thereof
`
`5
`
`being provided as a switch connected with the numerous host
`
`computers.
`
`8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said RAID
`
`controlling unit, said network interface controlling unit and said
`
`10
`
`connecting unit are respectively constructed by a pair, the first
`
`network interface controlling unit of a first RAID controlling unit
`
`being connected to a first connecting unit, the second network
`
`interface controlling unit of said first RAID controlling unit
`
`being connected to a second connecting unit, the first network
`
`15
`
`interface controlling unit of a second RAID controlling unit being
`
`connected to the second connecting unit, and the second network
`
`interface controlling unit of the second RAID controlling unit
`
`being connected to the first connecting unit.
`
`12
`
`15
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`Abstract of the Disclosure
`
`The apparatus for a
`
`redundant
`
`interconnection between
`
`multiple hosts and a
`
`redundant array of
`
`inexpensive disks
`
`5
`
`(hereinafter, referred to as
`
`'RAID'), which is capable of
`
`supporting
`
`a
`
`fault
`
`tolerance of RAID
`
`controllers
`
`and
`
`simultaneously heightening a performance, comprises a plurality
`
`of RAID controlling units for processing a requirement of numerous
`
`host computers connected with one another through the industrial
`
`10
`
`standard communication network and for fault
`
`tolerance;
`
`a
`
`plurality of connecting units for connecting the plurality of RAID
`
`controlling units to the numerous host computers; and a plural
`
`number of network
`
`interface controlling units respectively
`
`contained into the plurality of RAID controlling units, for
`
`15
`
`exchanging information directly with an opposite network interface
`
`controlling unit provided within an opposite RAID controlling unit
`
`and the numerous host computers,
`
`through
`
`the plurality of
`
`connecting units.
`
`13
`
`16
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`Attorney Docket No.: 51876p219
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Art Group:
`
`Examiner:
`
`In re the Application of:
`
`SUNG-HOON BAEK, ET AL.
`
`Application No.:
`
`Filed:
`
`For:
`
`APPARATUS FOR REDUNDANT
`INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN
`MULTIPLE HOSTS AND RAID -
`UTILITY
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`TRANSMITTAL OF FORMAL DRAWINGS
`
`Sir:
`
`Enclosed herewith for filing in the above-identified U.S. Patent Application are the formal drawings,
`
`6 sheets including 6 Figures. Applicant hereby authorizes any additional extension or petition fees under 37
`
`C.P.R. § 1.17 or credit for any overpayment to our Deposit Account No. 02-2666. A copy of the Fee
`
`Transmittal sheet is enclosed.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
`
`Thomas M. Coester, Reg. No. 39,637
`
`Dated:
`
`12400 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor
`Los Angeles, California 90025
`Telephone: (310) 207-3800
`
`17
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`J
`
`100
`r-----------L ---,
`HOST COMPUTER
`:
`110
`I
`I
`I
`I
`/
`I
`I
`NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I TX I AX I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`L ______ -- ~-----_j
`
`r __________ _L !.9!_-,
`
`HOST COMPUTER
`111
`
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`L _____
`
`J
`
`I
`I
`/
`I
`NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I TX I AX I
`I
`I
`-- ,_ _____ _j
`
`t>12o
`
`r -
`
`(>121
`
`r -
`
`140
`150
`)
`J
`r-(--, -- r----L-,
`I AX I TX I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`I
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I
`I
`RAID CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`L ____________ _j
`
`/130
`
`RAID
`
`1j1
`151
`I
`r--1-- -- ___ L-,
`I AX I TX J
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`I
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I
`I
`RAID CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`L ____________ _j
`
`18
`
`IPR2013-00635 Patent Owner Ex. 2001
`Elec. & Telecomm'ns Research Inst., Patent Owner
`Dell, HP & NetApp., Petitioners
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`HOST COMPUTER
`
`__________ _L200
`1
`1
`:
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I TX I RX I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`L ______ -- F------_j
`
`201
`.----------....L ---,
`:
`HOST COMPUTER
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`NETWORK INTERFACE
`I
`I
`CONTROLLER
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I TX RX