Single lock command for an I/O storage system that performs both locking and I/O data operation

摘要

A method of handling I/O operations in a multiprocessor system which includes a plurality of host processors that are connected to a data storage system through corresponding connections, wherein the data storage system includes a lock manager and wherein the plurality of host processors communicate over the connections with the data storage system by using an interface protocol which permits only a single command to be sent during each complete transfer over the connection. The method includes the steps of generating a combined lock-I/O command within one of the host processors, wherein the combined lock-I/O command represents a request to the data storage system to perform at least two operations including a locking operation and an I/O operation that is to be performed by the data storage system on data stored therein; transferring said combined lock-I/O command to the data storage system over the connection for one of the host processors; in response to receiving the combined lock-I/O command at the data storage system, causing the lock manager within the data storage system to perform the locking operation on data stored therein; and also in response to receiving the combined lock-I/O command at the data storage system, causing the data storage system to perform an I/O operation corresponding to the combined lock-I/O command.