Attaching client processors to the NSL with HIPPI IPI-3
The National Storage Laboratory (NSL) is currently implementing a prototype storage system that utilizes network attached high performance storage devices to transfer data directly between storage devices and client processors using HIPPI IPI-3. The client processors in use at the NSL include Cray YMP-C90 supercomputers, IBM RISC System 6000 workstations, Silicon Graphics workstations, SUN workstations, and a PsiTech frame buffer. This paper describes the HIPPI IPI-3 interface between the client processors and the storage devices. It is intended to serve as a guide for vendors who desire to connect their products to the NSL. Clients direct their requests to a distributed storage system. A typical storage system will contain multiple storage devices. The storage system map client`s files onto regions on the storage devices. At the NSL, the data transfers are performed directly between the client processors and the storage devices, bypassing any processors in the storage system. The protocol used between the client processors and the storage devices is HIPPI IPI-3 third party copy. When a client processor wants to read or write data to or from the storage system, the client processor sends a request to the storage system across a control connection. The control path to the storage system is logically separated from the data path. When the storage system is ready to perform a data transfer, a third-party IPI-3 read or write command is sent to one of the IPI-3 slave devices in the storage system. The slave device then transfers the data directly to or from the client processor across the HIPPI data network. Using third party copy simplifies the implementation of the client processor`s interface to the storage system by isolating the client processors from the specific characteristics of the storage devices.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 219428
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-ID-123184; ON: DE96007595
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 8 Feb 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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