Please type a plus sign(+) inside this box
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`(Only for nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR § 1.53(b))
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`First Inventor or Application Identifier
`
`Title
`
`PTO/SB/05 (2/98)
`
`I CROSS1120-13
`I Geoffrey B. Hoese
`Storage Router and Meth d f r Providing Virtual
`Local St rage
`I EV351125056US
`Express Mail Label No.
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Box Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`6. D Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
`~
`..,
`""4 ,
`IC -e
`Nucleotide and Amino Acid Sequence Submission ui·
`I 7.
`(if applicable, all necessary)
`:::)•
`~
`D
`~ H
`0
`~
`b. D Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
`Gl
`M
`D Statement verifying identity of above copies
`0
`
`a.
`
`c.
`
`Computer-Readable Copy
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`
`(preferred arrangement set forth below)
`
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`
`1. 0 Fee Transmittal for FY 2003
`2. 0 Specification
`[Total Pages) I 28
`181 Descriptive Title of the Invention
`0 Cross References to Related Applications
`0 Statement Regarding Fed Sponsored R & D
`181 Description of Related Art
`181 Field of the Invention
`181 Summary of the Invention
`181 Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed)
`181 Claim(s)
`181 Abstract of the Disclosure
`
`[Total Sheets]
`
`4.
`
`Oath or Declaration (executed)
`[Total Pages]
`
`I
`I
`
`2
`
`4
`
`3. 0 Drawing(s) (35 usc 113J
`0
`a. D Newly executed (original or copy)
`b. 0 Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`i. D DELETION OF INVENTOR(S}
`
`(for continuation/divisional with Box 17 completed)
`
`Signed statement attached deleting
`inventor(s) named in the prior application,
`see 37 CFR 1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b)
`
`5. ~ Incorporation By Reference (useable if box 4b is checked).
`
`Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`Statement (IDS)/PT0-1449
`
`Copies of IDS
`Citations
`
`Entity
`
`Status still proper and desired
`
`8. CD Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`9. D 37 CFR 3.73(b)
`0 Power of Attorney
`I 10. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`D
`Information Disclosure D
`I 11.
`12. CD Preliminary Amendment
`13. CD Return Receipt Postcard
`14. CD Small D Statement filed in prior application,
`D Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`16. 0
`
`15.
`
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`Other: Certificate of Mailing; Revocation and
`Power of Attorney; Acceptance of
`Revocation and POA
`
`The entire disclosure of the prior application, from
`which a copy of the oath or declaration is supplied
`under Box 4b, is considered to be part of the disclosure
`of the accompanying application and is hereby
`incorporated by reference therein.
`If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box and supply the requisite information below and in a preliminary amendment
`10/081,110
`
`17.
`
`0 Continuation D Divisional D Continuation-In-Part (CIP)
`
`of prior Application No.:
`
`Prior application information: Examiner Christopher B. Shin
`
`Group I Arl Unit 2182
`
`D Claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:
`
`Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
`1221 South MoPac Expressway, Suite 400
`Austin, TX 78746-6875
`Tel. (512) 457-7142
`Fax. (512)457-7001
`
`Customer No. :
`
`25094
`
`TYPED or PRINTED ~M~ ~
`REGISTRATION NO. 48,828
`SIGNATURE ~-~~".-:;;;_....___ ~~.:;,_....;_::;...._
`DATE: September _L, 2003
`_________ _
`/
`
`Gray Cary\AU\4113226.1
`I 03671-990000
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 1
`
`

`
`,.,
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING BY "EXPRESS MAIL"
`
`Atty Docket No.
`CROSS1120w13
`
`Mail Stop: Patent Application
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313
`
`Sir:
`
`In the Application of:
`Geoffrey B. Hoese, et al.
`
`Date Filed:
`
`September 9, 2003
`
`Title:
`Storage Router and Method for Providing Virtual
`Local Storage
`
`I hereby certify that the Preliminary Amendment, Utility Patent Application Transmittal
`
`Form, Fee Transmittal, Utility Patent Application from Parent Case, Declaration and Power of
`
`Attorney from Parent Case, Revocation and Power of Attorney from Parent Case, Acceptance of
`
`Revocation and Power of Attorney from Parent, Assignment and Recordation Cover Sheet from
`
`Parent, two (2) pages of Formal Drawings from Parent, filing fee and Postcard are being
`
`deposited with the United States Postal Service "EXPRESS MAIL Post Office to Addressee"
`service under 37 C.F.R. § 1.10, Mailing Label Certificate No. EV351125056US, on September 9,
`
`2003, addressed to: Mail Stop: Patent Application, Commissioner for Patents, Alexandria, VA
`
`22313.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
`
`GrayCary\AU\4113225.1
`I 03671-990000
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 2
`
`

`
`Under the Pa erwork Reduction Act of 1995, no
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`for FY 2003
`Effective 01101/2003. Patent fees are subject to annual revision.
`
`Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`($) 714.00
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`!81 Check 0 Credit 0 Money 0 Other 0 None
`Card
`Order
`I
`2;£ous~~ I
`50-0456
`Deposit I
`I
`Number ~· ===============::=::::·
`A~~~~ Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
`
`The Commissioner Is authorized to: (check all that apply)
`!81 Charge (fees) indicated below.
`!81 Credit any overpayments
`!81 Charge any additional fee(s) during the pendency of this application
`D Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for filing fee
`to the above-identified deposit account.
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING FEE
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Fee Fee Descri!!tion
`Fee
`Code
`Code
`($)
`($)
`1001
`750
`2001
`1002 330
`2002
`1003 520
`2003
`1004 750
`2004
`1005 160
`2005
`
`375 Utility filing fee §
`
`Fee Paid
`
`First Named Inventor
`
`Examiner Name
`
`Art Unit
`
`Attorne Docket No.
`
`Unknown
`Unknown
`CROSS1120-13
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`
`Fee Description
`
`Fee Paid
`
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`Large Entity
`Small Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`Code
`($)
`($)
`1051
`130
`2051
`65
`1052
`2052
`50
`25
`
`1053
`
`1812
`1804
`
`130
`
`2,520
`920*
`
`1053
`
`1812
`1804
`
`1805
`
`1,840*
`
`1805
`
`1251
`
`1252
`
`1253
`
`1254
`
`1255
`
`1401
`
`1402
`
`1403
`
`1451
`
`1452
`
`1453
`
`110
`
`410
`
`930
`
`1,450
`
`1,970
`
`320
`
`320
`
`280
`
`1,510
`
`110
`
`1,300
`
`2251
`
`2252
`
`2253
`
`2254
`
`2255
`
`2401
`
`2402
`
`2403
`
`1451
`
`2452
`
`2453
`
`55
`
`160
`
`Surdlarge -late filing fee or oath
`Surdlarge -late povisional filing fee or CDJer
`sheet
`130 Non-Erglish speci!ica1i:ln
`2,520 For filing a request for ex parte reexamination
`920* Requesting publication of SIR (:Xior to
`Examiner action
`1,840* Requesting pub[JCa1ion of SIR after
`Examiner action
`Extension for !e!*i wilhin first month
`Extension for reply ~n second month
`205
`465 Extension for reply within third month
`725 Extension for !e!*i wilhin fourth month
`Extension for !e!*i within fifth month
`985
`160 Notice of Appeal
`Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`140 Request for oral hearing
`1,510 Petition to instib.J1e a~ use proceeding
`Petition to revive-unavoidable
`55
`Petition to revive- uninten1ional
`650
`650 Utility issue fee (or reissue)
`235 Design issue fee
`315 Plant issue fee
`130 Petitions to the Commissioner
`Processing fee under 37 CFR 1.17(q)
`50
`180 Submissioo of lnforma1ial Disdosure Stmt
`Reaxdirg each pa1ent assignment per
`40
`property (times number of p-opel1ies)
`Fili a submissioo after final rejedion
`(3~FR§1.129(a))
`For each additional invention to be
`examined (37 CFR§ 1.129(b))
`375 Request for Cortlinued Examination (RCE)
`900 Request for expedited examination
`of a design applica1ion
`Other fee (specify)·------------------------------------------------
`SUBTOTAL (3)1($)
`
`1,300
`
`2501
`
`470
`
`630
`
`130
`
`50
`
`180
`40
`
`750
`
`750
`
`750
`900
`
`2502
`
`2503
`
`1460
`
`1807
`
`1806
`8021
`
`2809
`
`375
`
`28"10
`
`375
`
`2801
`1802
`
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`1501
`
`1502
`
`1503
`
`1460
`
`1807
`
`1806
`8021
`
`1809
`
`1810
`
`1801
`1802
`
`• Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`I
`
`165 Design filing fee
`260 Plant filing fee
`375 Reissue filing fee
`80 Provisional filing fee
`SUBTOTAL (1) ($) 375.00
`2. EXTRA CLAIM FEES FOR UTILITY AND REISSUE
`Fee from
`below
`Extra Claims
`Total Claims 0:£] -20**= c:JIJ X I
`9
`Independent [ I ] ·3** = L:LJ X I
`42
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent
`
`Fee Paid
`171.00
`168.00
`
`I =I
`
`I =I
`
`I =I
`
`X I
`
`Fee Descrl!!tlon
`
`Large Entitv Small Entitv
`Fee
`Fee
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`Code
`($)
`($)
`Claims in excess of 20
`2202
`1202
`18
`9
`Independent claims in exo:lSS of 3
`1201
`84
`2201
`42
`140 Multiple dependent ciaim, if not paid
`1203 280
`2203
`.. Reissue independent claims
`over original patent
`- Reissue claims in excess of 20
`and over original patent
`
`1204
`
`84
`
`2204
`
`42
`
`1205
`
`18
`
`2205
`
`9
`
`SUBTOTAL (2) 1($) 339.00
`
`••or number previously paid, if greater; For Reissues, see above
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`I
`
`1 Registration No.
`(Attorney/Agent)
`
`148,828
`
`Telephone
`
`Complete( if applicable)
`512-457-7142
`September 4- , 2003
`
`John L.~air __..-;;;;?
`~ ~ ~____...., _
`Date
`\~NJNG: InformatiOn on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be
`included on this form. Provide credit card information and authorization on PT0-2038.
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.17 and 1.27. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S. C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on
`the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO:
`Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231.
`
`Name (Printrrype)
`
`Signature
`
`Gray Cary\AU\4113227 .1
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 3
`
`

`
`-... ·· t
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`1
`
`Copy from Prior Application
`
`STORAGE ROUTER AND METHOD FOR
`
`PROVIDING VIRTUAL LOCAL STORAGE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates in general to network storage
`
`devices, and more particularly to a storage router and
`
`method for providing virtual local storage on remot~ SCSI
`
`5
`
`storage devices to Fibre Channel devices.
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 4
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113 .·0103
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`Typical storage transport mediums provide for a
`
`relatively small number of devices to be attached over
`
`relatively short distances. One such transport medium is
`
`5
`
`a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol, the
`
`structure and operation of which is generally well known
`
`as is described, for example, in the SCSI-1, SCSI-2 and
`
`SCSI-3 specifications. High speed serial interconnects
`
`provide enhanced capability to attach a large number of
`
`10
`
`high speed devices to a common storage transport medium
`
`over large distances. One such.serial interconnect is
`
`Fibre Channel, the structure and operation of which is
`
`described, for example, in Fibre Channel Physical a~d
`
`Signaling Interface (FC-PH), ANSI X3.230 Fibre Channel
`
`15
`
`Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL), and ANSI X3. 272 Fibre Channel
`
`Private Loop Direct Attach (FC-PLDA).
`
`Conventional computing devices, such as computer
`
`workstations, generally access storage local~y or through
`
`network interconnects. Local storage typically consists
`
`20
`
`of a disk drive, tape drive, CD-ROM drive or other
`
`storage device contained within, or locally connec~ed to
`
`the workstation. The workstation provides a file system
`
`structure, that includes security controls, with access
`
`to the local storage device through native low level,
`
`25
`
`block protocols. These protocols map directly to the
`
`mechanisms used by the storage device and consist of data
`
`requests without security controls. Network interconnects
`
`typically proyide access for a large number of computing
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 5
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`3
`
`~·
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`devices to data storage on a remote network server. The
`
`remote network server provides· file system structure,
`
`access control, and other miscellaneous capabilities that
`
`include the network interface. Access.to data through
`
`5
`
`the network server is through network protocols that the
`
`server must translate into low level requests to the
`
`storage device. A workstation with access to the server
`
`storage must translate its file system protocols into
`
`network protocols that are used to communicate with the
`
`10
`
`server. Consequently, from the perspective of a
`
`workstation, or other computing device, seeking to access
`
`such server data, the access is much slower than access
`
`to data on a local storage device.
`
`A~Ol:ll0067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 6
`
`

`
`·.~
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`4
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`In accordance with the present invention, a storage
`
`router and method for providing virtual local storage on
`
`remote SCSI storage devices to Fibre Channel devices are
`
`5
`
`disclosed that provide advantages over conventional
`
`network storage devices and methods.
`
`According to one aspect of the present invention, a
`
`storage router and storage network provide virtual local
`
`storage on remote SCSI storage devices to Fibre Channel
`
`10
`
`devices. A plurality of Fibre Channel devices, such as
`
`workstations, are connected to a Fibre Channel transport
`
`medium, and a plurality of SCSI storage devices are
`
`connected to a SCSI bus transport medium. The stor~ge
`
`router· interfaces between the Fibre Channel transport
`
`15
`
`medium and the SCSI bus transport medium. The storage
`
`router maps between the workstations and the SCSI storage
`
`devices and implements access controls for storage space
`
`on the SCSI storage devices. The storage router then
`
`allows access from the workstations to the SCSI storage
`
`20
`
`devices using native low level, block protocol in
`
`accordance with the mapping and the access controls.
`
`According to another aspect of the pre~ent
`
`invention, virtual local storage on remote SCSI storage
`
`devices is provided to Fibre Channel devices. A Fibre
`
`25
`
`Channel transport medium and a SCSI bus transport medium
`
`are interfaced with. A configuration is maintained for
`
`SCSI storage devices connected to the SCSI bus transport
`
`medium. The ·configuration maps between Fibre Channel
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 7
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`5
`
`devices and the SCSI storage devices and implements
`
`access controls for storage space on the SCSI storage
`
`devices. Access is then allowed from Fibre Channel
`
`initiator devices to SCSI storage devices using native
`
`5
`
`low level, block protocol in accordance with the
`
`configuration.
`
`A technical advantage of the present invention is
`
`the ability to centralize local storage for networked
`
`workstations without any cost of speed or overhead. Each
`
`10
`
`workstation access its virtual local storage as if it
`
`work locally connected. Further, the centralized storage
`
`devices can be located in a significantly remote position
`
`even in excess of ten kilometers as defined by Fibr~
`
`Channel standards.
`
`15
`
`Another technical advantage of the present invention
`
`is the ability to centrally control and administer
`
`storage space for connected users without limiting the
`
`speed with which the users can access local data.
`
`In
`
`addition, global access to data, backups, virus scanning
`
`20
`
`and redundancy can be more easily accomplished by
`
`centrally located storage devices.
`
`A further technical advantage of the p~esent
`
`invention is providing support for SCSI storage devices
`
`as local storage for Fibre Channel hosts.
`
`In addition,
`
`25
`
`the present invention helps to provide extended
`
`capabilities for Fibre Channel and for management of
`
`storage subsystems.
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 8
`
`

`
`' .
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113. 010_3
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`6
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`A more complete understanding of the present
`
`invention and the advantages thereof may be acquired by
`
`referring to the following description taken in
`
`5
`
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
`
`reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
`
`FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a conventional
`
`network that provides storage through a network server;
`
`FIGURE_ 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`
`10
`
`storage network with a storage router that provides
`
`global access and routing;
`
`FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`
`storage network with a storage router that provides,.
`
`virtual local storage;
`
`15
`
`FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the
`
`storage router of FIGURE 3; and
`
`FIGURE 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of
`
`data flow within the storage router of FIGURE 4.
`
`AUS0l.:l.l0067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 9
`
`

`
`-.. ~:.·
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`7
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a conventional
`
`network, indicated generally at 10, that provides access
`
`to storage through a network server. As shown, network
`
`5
`
`10 includes a plurality of workstations 12 interconnected
`
`with a network server 14 via a network transport medium
`
`16. Each workstation 12 can generally comprise a
`
`processor, memory, input/output devices, storage devices
`
`and a network adapter as well as other common computer
`
`10
`
`components. Network server 14 uses a SCSI bus 18 as a
`
`storage transport medium to interconnect with a plurality
`
`of storage devices 20 (tape drives, disk drives, etc.).
`
`In the embodiment of FIGURE 1, network transport me~ium
`
`16 is an network connection and storage devices 20
`
`15
`
`comprise hard disk drives, although there are numerous
`
`alternate transport mediums and storage devices.
`
`In network 10, each workstation 12 has access to its
`
`local storage device as well as network access to data on
`
`storage devices 20. The access to a local storage device
`
`20
`
`is typically through native low level, block protocols.
`
`On the other hand, access by a workstation 12 to storage
`
`devices 20 requires the participation of network server
`
`14 which implements a file system and transfers data to
`
`workstations 12 only thro~gh high level file system
`
`25
`
`protocols. Only network server 14 communicates with
`
`storage devic~s 20 via native low level, block protocols.
`
`Consequently, the network access by workstations. 12
`
`through network server 14 is slow with respect to their
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 10
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`8
`
`access to local storage.
`
`In network 10, it can Also be a
`
`logistical problem to centrally manage and administer
`
`local data distributed across an organization, including
`
`accomplishing tasks such as backups, virus scanning and
`
`5
`
`redundancy.
`
`FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`
`storage network, indicated generally at 30, with a
`
`storage router that provides global access and routing.
`
`This environment is significantly different from that of
`
`10
`
`FIGURE 1 in that there is no network server .involved.
`
`In
`
`FIGURE 2, a Fibre Channel high speed serial transport 32
`
`interconnects a plurality of workstations 36 and storage
`
`devices 38. A SCSI bus storage transport medium
`
`interconnects workstations 40 and storage devices 42. A
`
`15
`
`storage router 44 then serves to interconnect these
`
`mediums and provide devices on either medium global,
`
`transparent access to devices on the other medium.
`
`Storage router 44 routes requests from initiator devices
`
`on one medium to target devices on the other medium and
`
`20
`
`routes data between the target and the initiator.
`
`Storage router 44 can allow initiators and targets to be
`
`on either side.
`
`In this manner, storage ro~ter 44
`
`enhan~es the functionality of Fibre Channel 3~ by
`
`providing access, for example, to legacy SCSI storage
`
`25
`
`devices on SCSI bus 34.
`
`In the embodiment of FIGURE 2,
`
`the operation of storage router 44 can be managed by a
`
`management station· 46 connected to the storage router via
`
`a direct serial connection.
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 11
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`9
`
`In storage network 30, any workstation 36 or
`
`workstation 40 can access any storage device 38 or
`
`storage device 42 through native low level, block
`
`.protocols, and vice versa. This functionality is enabled
`
`5
`
`by storage router 44 which routes requests and data as a
`
`generic transport between Fibre Channel 32 and SCSI bus
`
`34. Storage router 44 uses tables to map devices from
`
`one medium to the other and distributes requests and data
`
`across Fibre Channel 32 and SCSI bus 34 without any
`
`10
`
`security access controls. Although this extension of the
`
`high speed serial interconnect provided by Fibre Channel
`
`32 is beneficial, it is desirable to provide security
`
`controls in addition to extended access to storage
`
`devices through a native low level, block protocol.
`
`15
`
`FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`
`storage network, indicated generally at 50, with a
`
`storage router that provides virtual local storage.
`
`Similar to that of FIGURE 2, storage network 50 includes
`
`a Fibre Channel high speed serial interconnect 52 and a
`
`20
`
`SCSI bus 54 bridged by a storage router 56. Storage
`
`router 56 of FIGURE 3 provides for a large number of
`
`workstations 58 to be interconnected on a c~mmon storage
`
`transport and to access common storage devices 60, 62 and
`
`64 through native low level, block protocols.
`
`25
`
`According to the present invention, storage router
`
`56 has enhanced functionality to implement security
`
`controls and routing such that each workstation .58 can
`
`have access to a specific subset of the overall data
`
`AOS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 12
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`10
`
`stored in storage devices 60, 62 and 64. This specific
`
`subset of data has the appearance and characteristics of
`
`local storage and is referred to herein as virtual local
`
`storage. Storage router 56 allows the configuration and
`
`5
`
`modification of the storage allocated to each attached
`
`workstation 58 through the use of mapping tables or other
`
`mapping techniques.
`
`As shown in FIGURE 3, for example, storage device 60
`
`can be configured to provide global dat? 65 which can be
`
`10
`
`accessed by all workstations 58. Storage device 62 can
`
`be configured to provide partitioned subsets 66, 68, 70
`
`and 72, where each partition is allocated to one of the
`workstations 58 (workstations A, B, c and D) . Thes~
`subsets 66, 68, 70 and 72 can only be accessed by the
`
`15
`
`associated workstation 58 and appear to the associated
`
`workstation 58 as local storage accessed using native low
`
`level, block protocols. Similarly, storage device 64 can
`
`be allocated as storage for the remaining workstation 58
`
`(workstation E) .
`
`20
`
`Storage router 56 combines access control with
`
`routing such that each workstation 58 has controlled
`
`access to only the specified partition of storage device
`
`62 which forms virtual local storage for the workstation
`
`58. This access control allows security control for the
`
`25
`
`specified data partitions. Storage router 56 a1lows this
`
`allocation of storage devices 60, 62 and 64 to be managed
`
`by a management station 76. Management station 76 can
`
`connect directly to storage router 56 via a direct
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 13
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`11
`
`connection or, alternately, can interface with storage
`
`router 56 through either Fibre Channel 52 or SCSI bus 54.
`
`In the latter case, management station 76 can be a
`
`workstation or other computing device with special rights
`
`5
`
`such that storage router 56 allows access to mapping
`
`tables and shows storage devices 60, 62 and 64 as they
`
`exist physically rather than as they have been allocated.
`
`The environment of FIGURE 3 extends the concept of a
`
`single workstation having locally connected storage
`
`10
`
`devices to a storage network 50 in which workstations 58
`
`are provided virtual local storage in a manner
`
`transparent to workstations 58. Storage router 56
`
`provides centralized control of what each workstati9n 58
`
`sees as its local drive, as well as what data it sees as
`
`15
`
`global data accessible by other workstations 58.
`
`Cons~quently, the storage space _considered by the
`
`workstation 58 to be its local storage is actually a
`
`partition {i.e., logical storage definition) of a
`
`physically remote storage device 60, 62 or 64 connected
`
`20
`
`through storage router 56. This means that similar
`
`requests from workstations 58 for access to their local
`
`storage devices produce different accesses to the storage
`
`space on storage devices 60, 62 and 64. Further, no
`
`access from a workstation 58 is allowed to the virtual
`
`25
`
`local storage of another workstation 58.
`
`The collective storage provided by storage devices
`
`60, 62 and 64 can have blocks allocated by programming
`
`means within ·storage router 56. To accomplish this
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 14
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113..-0103
`
`12
`
`. -~-
`
`PATENT APPLICATiON
`
`function, storage router 56 can include routing tables
`
`and security cqntrols that· define. storage allocation for
`
`each workstation 58. The advantages provided by
`
`implementing virtual local storage in centralized storage
`
`5
`
`devices include the ability to do collective backups and
`
`other collective administrative functions more easily.
`
`This is accomplished without limiting the performance of
`
`workstations 58 because storage access involves native
`
`low level, block protocols and does not involve the
`
`10
`
`overhead of high level protocols and file systems
`
`required by network servers.
`
`FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of
`
`storage router 56 of FIGURE 3. Storage router 56 Cqn
`
`comprise a Fibre Channel controller 80 that interfaces
`
`15
`
`with Fibre Channel 52 and a SCSI controller 82 that
`
`interfaces with SCSI bus 54. A buffer 84 provides memory
`
`work space and is connected to both Fibre Channel
`
`controller 80 and to SCSI controller 82. A supervisor
`
`unit 86 is connected to Fibre Channel controller 80, SCSI
`
`20
`
`controller 82 and buffer 84. Supervisor unit 86
`
`comprises a microprocessor for controlling operation of
`
`storage router 56 and to handle mapping and.security
`
`access for requests between Fibre Channel 52 and SCSI bus
`
`54.
`
`25
`
`FIGURE 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of
`
`data flow within storage router 56 of FIGURE 4. As
`
`shown, data from Fibre Channel 52 is processed by a· Fibre
`
`Channel {FC) ·protocol unit 88 and placed in a FIFO queue
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 15
`
`

`
`.. . ·:.·
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`13
`
`90. A direct memory access (DMA) interface 92 then takes
`
`data out of FIFO queue 90 and places it in buffer 84.
`
`Supervisor unit 86 processes the data in buffer 84 as
`
`represented by supervisor processing 93. This processing
`
`5
`
`involves mapping between Fibre Channel 52 and SCSI bus 54
`
`and applying access controls and routing functions. A
`
`DMA interface 94 then pulls data from buffer 84 and
`
`places it into a buffer 96. A SCSI protocol unit 98
`
`pulls data from buffer 96 and communicates·the data on
`
`10
`
`SCSI bus 54. Data flow in the reverse direction, from
`
`SCSI bus 54 to Fibre Channel 52, is accomplished in a
`
`reverse manner.
`
`The storage router of the present invention is a
`
`bridge device that connects a Fibre Channel link directly
`
`15
`
`to a SCSI bus and enables the exchange of SCSI command
`
`set information between application clients on SCSI bus
`
`devices and the Fibre Channel ~inks. Further, the
`
`storage router applies access controls such that virtual
`
`local storage can be established in remote SCSI storage
`
`20
`
`devices for workstations on the Fibre Channel link.
`
`In
`
`one embodiment, the storage router provides a connection
`
`for Fibre Channel links running the SCSI FiQre Channel
`
`Protocol (FCP) to·legacy SCSI devices attached to a SCSI
`
`bus. The Fibre Channel topology is typically an
`
`25
`
`Arbitrated Loop (FC_AL) .
`
`In part, the storage router enables a migration path
`
`to Fibre Channel based, serial SCSI networks by providing
`
`connectivity· ·for legacy SCSI bus devices. The storage
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 16
`
`

`
`.: : .. : .
`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLIC~TION
`
`14
`
`router.can be attached to a Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop
`
`and a SCSI bus to support a number of SCSI devices.
`
`Using configuration settings, the storage router can make
`
`the SCSI bus devices available on the Fibre Channel
`
`5
`
`network as FCP logical units. Once the configuration is
`
`defined, operation of the storage router is transparent
`
`to application clients.
`
`In this manner, the storage
`
`router can form an integral part of the migration to new
`
`Fibre Channel based networks while providing a means to
`
`10
`
`continue using legacy SCSI devices.
`
`In one implementation {not shown), the storage
`
`router can be a rack mount or free standing device with
`
`an internal power supply. The storage router can h~ve a
`
`Fibre Channel and SCSI port, and a standard, detachable
`
`15
`
`power cord can be used, the FC connector can be a copper
`
`DB9 connector, and the SCSI connector can be a 68-pin
`
`type. Additional modular jacks can be ·provided for a
`
`serial port and a 802.3 10BaseT port, i.e. twisted pair
`
`Ethernet, for management access. The SCSI port of the
`
`20
`
`storage router an support SCSI direct and sequential
`
`access target devices and can support SCSI initiators, as
`
`well. The Fibre Channel port can interface_to SCSI-3 FCP
`
`enabled devices and initiators.
`
`To accomplish its functionality, one imp~ementation
`
`25
`
`of the storage router uses: a Fibre Channel interface
`
`based on the HEWLETT-PACKARD TACHYON HPFC-5000 controller
`
`and a GLM media interface; an I-ntel 80960RP processor,
`
`incorporating independent data and program memory spaces,
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 17
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`15
`
`and associated logic required to implement a stand alone
`
`processing system; and a serial port for debug and system
`
`configuration. Further, this implementation includes a
`
`SCSI interface supporting Fast-20 based on the SYMBIOS
`
`5
`
`53C8xx series SCSI controllers, and an operating system
`
`based upon the WIND RIVERS SYSTEMS VXWORKS or IXWORKS
`
`kernel, as determined by design.
`
`In addition, the
`
`storage router includes software as required to control
`
`basic functions of the various elements, and to provide
`
`10
`
`appropriate translations between the FC and SCSI
`
`protocols.
`
`The storage router has various modes of operation
`
`that are possible between FC and SCSI target and
`
`initiator combinations. These modes are: FC Initiator to
`
`15
`
`SCSI Target; SCSI Initiator to FC Target; SCSI Initiator
`
`to SCSI Target; and FC Initiator to FC Target. The first
`
`two modes can be supported concurrently in a
`
`single storage router device are discussed briefly below.
`
`The third mode can involve two storage router devices
`
`20
`
`back to back and can_serve primarily as a device to
`
`extend the physical distance beyond that possible via a
`direct SCSI connection. The last mode can pe used to
`carry FC protocols encapsulated on other transmission
`
`technologies (e.g. ATM, SONET), or to act as a bridge
`
`25
`
`between two FC loops (e.g. as a two port fabric).
`
`The FC Initiator to SCSI Target mode provides for
`
`the basic configuration of a server using Fibre Channel
`
`to communicate with SCSI targets. This mode requires
`
`AUS01:110067
`
`Oracle Ex. 1002, pg. 18
`
`

`
`ATTORNEYS DOCKET
`064113.0103
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`16
`
`that a host system have an FC attached device and
`
`associated device drivers and software to generate SCSI-3
`
`PCP requests. This system acts as an initiator using the
`
`storage router to communicate with SCSI target devices.
`
`5
`
`The SCSI devices supported can include SCSI-2 compliant
`
`direct or sequential access (disk or tape) devices. The
`
`storage router serves to translate command and status
`
`informa