Patent ID: 6845387
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for creating virtual private connections between end points in a shared storage area network (SAN), the method comprising: providing a virtual connection architecture for a host initiator operatively connected thereto, the virtual connection architecture having a virtual connection manager and a virtual connection cache, the virtual connection cache having a list of existing and previously established virtual connections, wherein an existing virtual connection is indicated between a specific host initiator and a specific target storage device, or a specific logical portion thereof, to provide a one-to-one relationship between a host initiator and a target storage device, or a logical portion thereof, for each virtual connection in the virtual connection cache, the host initiator generating and transmitting I/O commands to the virtual connection manager of the virtual connection architecture; determining from the virtual connection cache whether a previously established virtual connection exists between the source and destination; and