Patent ID: 7516245

Claim:
A network comprising: a host; a snapshot server; two storage devices; and a fabric including: first and second switches, said first switch including: a first port for connection to said host; at least a second port for coupling to at least said second switch and said snapshot server; and a module coupled to said first port and said at least a second port for receiving a snapshot creation command, said command directing creation of a snapshot of data stored on a storage device, provided by said host to a well known address and for transmitting a snapshot creation command, said command directing creation of a snapshot of data stored on a storage device, directed to said second switch and said snapshot server; and said second switch including: a first port for connection to a storage device; at least a second port for coupling to at least said first switch, said snapshot server and said host; and a module coupled to said first port and said at least a second port for receiving a snapshot creation command provided by said first switch, said command directing creation of a snapshot of data stored on said connected storage device, and for enabling capturing of write operations from said host to said data stored on said connected storage device.