Patent ID: 6658540
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G06F,H04L,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for copying data, written by a host computer to a local data storage array, to backup a copy of the data on a remote storage system, wherein a local array controller, connected to the local data storage array, is coupled to a remote array controller connected to the remote storage system, the method comprising the steps of:sending a plurality of write commands, associated with the data, from the local array controller to the remote array controller; in the situation wherein a first one of the write commands completes before a second one of the write commands starts at the local site, then inhibiting said data associated with the second one of the write commands from being recorded to media on the remote storage system before said data associated with the first one of the write commands is recorded to media on the remote storage system; and using a sliding window protocol in said sending step to protect against out-of-order receptions at the remote site.