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Network, storage appliance, and method for externalizing an internal I/O link between a server and a storage controller integrated within the storage appliance chassis

  • US 7,676,600 B2
  • Filed: 04/23/2004
  • Issued: 03/09/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A network storage appliance, comprising:

  • a chassis;

    a port combiner, enclosed in said chassis, for providing high-speed data communication between at least first, second, and third I/O ports;

    a storage controller, enclosed in said chassis, for controlling a plurality of storage devices, comprising said first I/O port;

    a server, enclosed in said chassis, comprising said second I/O port;

    an I/O connector, affixed on the storage appliance, for networking said third I/O port to said port combiner, wherein said third I/O port is external to said chassis and not comprised in the storage appliance; and

    first, second, and third I/O links, for coupling said first I/O port, said second I/O port, and said I/O connector, respectively, to said port combiner;

    wherein a field replaceable unit (FRU) comprises said first I/O link, said second I/O link, said third I/O link, said first I/O port, said second I/O port, said I/O connector, and said port combiner.

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