Kenneth N Jessop

US Patent:

6556953, Apr 29, 2003

Filed:

Apr 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/829448

Inventors:

Samuel C. Lay - Broomfield CO
Jeffrey J. Nelson - Louisville CO
James Rodgers - Boulder CO
Kenneth N. Jessop - Arvada CO

Assignee:

McData Corporation - Broomfield CO

International Classification:

H02H 305

US Classification:

702183, 714 56

Abstract:

A non-disruptive, on-line testing and switchover method and apparatus in a high availability, fiber channel switching environment. In a network having an active switching element, a redundant switching element and a port, one aspect of the present invention provides for verifying a working data path from the port to the redundant switching element, and thereafter verifying a working control path to the redundant switching element. Both verification tests take place without interrupting operation on the network. In addition, another aspect of the present invention provides for recognizing a failure occurrence in the active switching element, and thereafter switching to the redundant switching element with the potential for minimal frame loss.

US Patent:

6643602, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Oct 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/284120

Inventors:

Samuel C. Lay - Broomfield CO
Jeffrey J. Nelson - Louisville CO
James Rodgers - Boulder CO
Kenneth N. Jessop - Arvada CO

Assignee:

Mcdata Corporation - Broomfield CO

International Classification:

G02B 628

US Classification:

702117, 398 43

Abstract:

A non-disruptive, on-line testing and switchover method and apparatus in a high availability, fibre channel switching environment. In a network having an active switching element, a redundant switching element and a port, one aspect of the present invention provides for verifying a working data path from the port to the redundant switching element, and thereafter verifying a working control path to the redundant switching element. Both verification tests take place without interrupting operation on the network. In addition, another aspect of the present invention provides for recognizing a failure occurrence in the active switching element, and thereafter switching to the redundant switching element with the potential for minimal frame loss.