Multipath fiber channel over ethernet networks

摘要

Embodiments include a method and computer program product for implementing multipath selection of ethernet links in a fiber channel over ethernet (FCoE) network. A first VLAN link defines a first path through the ethernet side of the network. A link failure in the first VLAN link is replaced by activating an alternate VLAN link corresponding to an alternate path through the ethernet side of the network while disabling all other VLANS corresponding to other paths through the ethernet side of the network. An advertisement is received from the origination SAN device on the fiber channel side of the network indicating a request for network access by the origination SAN device. Communications are enabled between the origination SAN device and the destination LAN device via the alternate VLAN link. Communications are then resumed between the origination SAN device and the destination LAN device utilizing the alternate VLAN link.

主权项

1. A computer implemented method for providing multipath connectivity between layers in a communication protocol, the method comprising:
configuring a fiber channel over ethernet (FCoE) network including an FCoE switch interconnecting a fiber channel side with an ethernet side to create a converged network communication path that includes a virtual storage area network (VSAN) link between an origination storage area network (SAN) device on the fiber channel side and the FCoE switch, and a first virtual local area network (VLAN) link between a destination local area network (LAN) device on the ethernet side and the FCoE switch, and an alternate VLAN link between the destination LAN device and the FCoE switch; conducting communications between the origination SAN device and the destination LAN device by encapsulating fiber channel data frames received on the VSAN link into ethernet frames transmitted on the first VLAN link; detecting a failure of the first VLAN link between the FCoE switch and the destination LAN device; replacing the failed first VLAN link, the replacing comprising activating the alternate VLAN link corresponding to a new path through the ethernet side of the network between the FCoE switch and the destination LAN device while disabling all other VLANS corresponding to other paths through the ethernet side of the network between the FCoE switch and the destination LAN device; receiving an advertisement from the origination SAN device on the fiber channel side of the network indicating a request for network access by the origination SAN device; enabling communications between the origination SAN device and the destination LAN device via the alternate VLAN link; and resuming communications between the origination SAN device and the destination LAN device by encapsulating fiber channel frames received on the VSAN link into ethernet frames transmitted on the alternate VLAN link and vice versa.