Transporting fibre channel over ethernet

摘要

Methods and apparatus for the Transporting of Fibre Channel data over Ethernet are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, Fibre Channel data frame and primitive signals are transported over Ethernet instead of using the Fibre Channel FC-1 and FC-0 protocols. This allows less expensive Ethernet equipment and devices to transport and perform services for Fibre Channel connected devices without having a physical Fibre Channel interface. The ability to provide Fibre Channel services and functions without having a physical Fibre Channel interface allows existing Ethernet equipment to be placed into service as SAN components without modification.

主权项

1. A method comprising the steps of:
providing a Server (32) including an FCoE HBA (40); said FCoE HBA (40) including a Virtual Fibre Channel Port (42) and an Ethernet Interface (44); providing a Layer 2 Ethernet Switch (24); providing an FCoE Transformer (46) including an Ethernet Interface (44) and a Fibre Channel Interface (48); providing a Fibre Channel Device (23); said FCoE HBA (40) sending an FCoE Frame (93) to said FCoE Transformer (46) via said Layer 2 Ethernet Switch (24); said FCoE Transformer (46) converting said FCoE Frame (93) to a Fibre Channel Frame (71); and said FCoE Transformer (46) sending said Fibre Channel Frame (71) to said Fibre Channel Device (23).