Patent ID: 7437493
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A network storage apparatus for connecting a host computer with at least one storage device, comprising: a passive backplane having a plurality of data buses including first, second, third, and fourth data buses; at least first and second channel interface modules, connected to said passive backplane and adapted to be connected to the host computer and the at least one storage device, that are operational to send and receive storage data to and from the host computer and the at least one storage device and that are operational to selectively transfer the storage data to one or more of said plurality of data buses, wherein said first channel interface module includes a first bus port and a second bus port, and said second channel interface module includes a third bus port and a fourth bus port, said first, second, third and fourth bus ports being operable to connect said channel interface modules to said passive backplane; and at least first and second controller memory modules, connected to said passive backplane, that communicate with said channel interface modules via said passive backplane, and that store and process the storage data transferred to and from said channel interface modules, wherein said first controller memory module includes a first bus interface and a second bus interface, and said second controller memory module includes a third bus interface and a fourth bus interface, said first, second, third and fourth bus interfaces being operable to connect said controller memory modules to said first, second, third and fourth data buses of said passive backplane.