Patent ID: 6182167
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) system multiport device, said SCSI system having OFFLINE or status signaling which indicates that a device is unavailable or offline, and having standard SCSI protocol device Reservation, device Release, and Device Reset capabilities, the method for coupling multiple host ports to said multiport device, each at an associated device port of said multiport device, comprising the steps of:initially allowing any said host port to reserve said multiport device at an associated one of said device ports of said multiport device;responding to a Reservation command for said multiport device from one of said host ports at said associated one device port, reserving said multiport device at said one device port in accordance with said standard SCSI protocol, in conjunction with implementing at all said device ports other than said one device port said OFFLINE or status signaling which indicates that said multiport device is unavailable or offline;responding to a Device Reset from said one host port for said associated one device port, by operating said multiport device in accordance with said standard SCSI protocol, including resetting said reservation of said multiport device at said one device port in accordance with said standard SCSI protocol, and by maintaining said implemented OFFLINE or status signaling; andresponding to a Release command from said one host port for said associated one device port, by releasing said reservation of said multiport device in accordance with said standard SCSI protocol, and by terminating said OFFLINE or status signaling.