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

  • US 5,845,147 A
  • Filed: 03/19/1996
  • Issued: 12/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of handling I/O operations between a data storage system and a processor that is external to the data storage system, wherein said data storage system includes at least one external connection for connecting external devices thereto, wherein said processor is connected to the data storage system via said external connection, wherein the data storage system includes a lock manager and wherein communications over the at least one connection are in accordance with an I/O interface protocol which permits only a single command entity to be sent during each complete transfer over the at least one connection, said method comprising:

  • generating a combined lock-I/O command within said external processor, wherein said combined lock-I/O command is supported by said interface protocol and 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 said external processor;

    in response to receiving said 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 said combined lock-I/O command at the data storage system, causing the data storage system to perform an I/O operation corresponding to said combined lock-I/O command.

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