Patent ID: 11954239
Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
Field: Computer technology (Electrical engineering)
Classification: CPC G  H | IPC G  H

Claim 10:
11. A method by which a storage controller engages in data communication with a drive subsystem, comprising the steps, performed by the storage controller, of:
establishing a first port and a second port for transmitting data communications to the drive subsystem, the second port configured for encryption of outgoing data communications and transmitting of encrypted data communications with an indication of a counterpart second port of the drive subsystem as the target port, the first port being configured for transmitting non-encrypted data communications to the drive subsystem with an indication of a counterpart first port of the drive subsystem as the target port; and
transmitting the data communications to the drive subsystem with selective encryption and identification of target port, by (1) for a security command containing secret data enabling operation of the target drive of the drive subsystem, encrypting the security command and transmitting it to the drive subsystem with an indication of the counterpart second port as the target port, and (2) for data commands by which the storage controller stores and retrieves data to/from the target drive, transmitting the data commands in non-encrypted form to the drive subsystem with an indication of the counterpart first port for delivery to the target drive.