Priority data transmission using Fibre Channel over Ethernet

摘要

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for handling data being communicated over lossless Ethernet that is sensitive to delays. Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) is one example of an environment where data may be subject to unacceptable delays. The method involves designating certain data as low latency data that is sensitive to delays in transmission. The low latency data is then transmitted in such a manner that the receiving devices are aware that they are receiving low latency data. If a delay in the transmission of low latency is detected, commands are issued that pause or slow standard data in order to free up bandwidth for the low latency data. The commands may be, for example, backward congestion notifications and priority flow control. Low latency data is exempted from backward congestion notifications and priority flow control. Priority 7 priority group 15 may be reserved exclusively for low latency data.

主权项

1. A method for improved delivery of data over Ethernet implementing Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), the method comprising:
designate data to be transmitted over an Ethernet connection as one of low latency data and standard data; indicating that a FCoE device supports transmission of the low latency data using a type length value (TLV) of a data center bridging capability exchange protocol (DCBX) as of Aug. 10, 2010; transmitting the low latency data; indicating that the low latency data being transmitted is low latency data using TLV priority 7 priority group 15; detecting one or more delays in the transmission of the low latency data caused by the standard data; and issuing command to stop a port from sending frames to the Ethernet in response to detecting the one or more delays.