Patent ID: 8219715
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for providing multi-pathing via Small Computer System Interface Input/Output (SCSI I/O) referral between an initiator and a storage cluster which are communicatively coupled via a network, the storage cluster including at least a first target device and a second target device, said method comprising: directing an input/output (I/O) request from the initiator to the first target device via the network in response to a determination by the initiator that data was previously stored in the first target device of the storage cluster; and when a first portion of the data, but not a second portion of the data, is stored on the first target device and the second portion of the data is stored on the second target device, initiating a transfer of the first portion of the data to the initiator and transmitting a SCSI I/O referral list to the initiator by the storage cluster, wherein the referral list includes a first port identifier for identifying a first port of the second target device and a second port identifier for identifying a second port of the second target device, the first port and the second port being identified as access ports for the initiator to access the second portion of the data.