Apparatus and methods for real-time routing of received commands in a split-path architecture storage controller

Abstract

A split-path storage controller comprises a soft-path I/O processor for processing of any received frames and comprises a fast-path I/O processor for efficient processing of common read and write commands.

How it works

Reduces latency in storage controllers by enabling routing decisions to occur concurrently with frame reception rather than after. A content parsing circuit analyzes incoming I/O requests as they arrive and determines in real time whether frames should go to the fast-path processor (custom circuits for common read/write) or the soft-path processor (general-purpose CPU for complex operations) — eliminating the bottleneck of sequential, CPU-driven routing.