Patent ID: 6845411
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. An external storage device comprising: first and second input/output units for performing input/output of information from/to at least one unit external to said device; a plurality of storage units connected between the first input/output unit and the second input/output unit so that a transmission path of information forms a series connection; and a configuration control unit for selecting two adjacent units from the first input/output unit, each of the plurality of storage units, and the second input/output unit so as to set a boundary between the two adjacent units, thus causing the storage units located on a first input/output unit side of the boundary to communicate with the at least one unit external to said device by using the first input/output unit and causing the storage units located on a second input/output unit side of the boundary to communicate with the at least one unit external to said device by using the second input/output unit, further comprising a configuration change notification unit for initiating the notification, via at least one of said first and second input/output units, of the at least one unit external to said storage device of a change in a configuration state, due to setting the boundary, of said storage device.