Method and system for LUN remapping in fibre channel networks

Abstract

A Fibre Channel switch element in a Fibre Channel network is provided. The Fibre Channel switch element includes a port that replaces a logical unit number (“LUN”) field value in a FCP_CMND frame. The port includes a LUN Mapping cache for replacing the LUN field value in a FCP_CMND frame. The LUN Mapping cache may also generate a value that is added to or subtracted from the LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame. A control bit is used to activate LUN Mapping cache for mapping LUN values.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage area networks, and more particularly, to logical unit number (“LUN”) remapping where a Fibre Channel switch maps virtual LUNs to actual physical LUNs.

2. Background of the Invention

Storage area networks (“SANs”) are commonly used where plural memory storage devices are made available to various host computing systems. Data in a SAN is typically moved from plural host systems (that include computer systems, servers etc.) to a storage system through various controllers/adapters.

Host systems often communicate with storage systems via a host bus adapter (“HBA”, may also be referred to as a “controller” and/or “adapter”) using an interface, for example, the “PCI” bus interface.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram with a host system 10 having a HBA 11 that is coupled to a switch 12. Switch 12 is also coupled to storage system 14 and 20. Storage system 14 includes HBA 13 and is coupled to storage devices 15, 16 and 17. Storage system 20A with HBA 21 is coupled to storage devices 18 and 19. The term storage device in this context includes, disk, tape drives or any other media used for storing electronic information.

Host system 10 typically includes several functional components. These components may include a central processing unit (CPU), main memory, input/output (“I/O”) devices (not shown), read only memory, and streaming storage devices (for example, tape drives).

Storage devices (for example, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19) are coupled using the Small Computer Systems Interface (“SCSI”) protocol and use the SCSI Fibre Channel Protocol (“SCSI FCP”) to communicate with other devices/systems. Both the SCSI and SCSI FCP standard protocols are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. SCSI FCP is a mapping protocol for applying SCSI command set to Fibre Channel.

Fibre channel is a set of American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards, which provide a serial transmission protocol for storage and network protocols such as HIPPI, SCSI, IP, ATM and others. Fibre channel provides an input/output interface to meet the requirements of both channel and network users.

Fibre channel supports three different topologies: point-to-point, arbitrated loop and Fibre Channel fabric. The point-to-point topology attaches two devices directly. The arbitrated loop topology attaches devices in a loop. The Fibre Channel fabric topology attaches host systems directly to a fabric, which are then connected to multiple devices. The Fibre Channel fabric topology allows several media types to be interconnected.

In Fibre Channel, a path is established between two nodes where the path's primary task is to transport data from one point to another at high speed with low latency, performing only simple error detection in hardware.

Fibre channel fabric devices include a node port or “N_Port” that manages fabric connections. The N_port establishes a connection to a fabric element (e.g., a switch) having a fabric port or “F_port”. Fabric elements include the intelligence to handle routing, error detection, recovery, and similar management functions.

A Fibre Channel switch (for example, 12) is a multi-port device where each port manages a simple point-to-point connection between itself and its attached system. Each port can be attached to a server, peripheral, I/O subsystem, bridge, hub, router, or even another switch. A switch receives messages from one port and automatically routes it to another port. Multiple calls or data transfers happen concurrently through the multi-port Fibre Channel switch.

Fibre channel switches use memory buffers to hold frames received and sent across a network. Associated with these buffers are credits, which are the number of frames that a buffer can hold per fabric port.

Fibre Channel storage devices using the SCSI FCP protocol typically use the client/server model. Typically, the client is a host system with an HBA (an “Initiator”) such as a file server that issues a read or write command to a “Target”. The Target may be a disk array that responds to the client request. Most storage devices such as disk drives or tape drives are SCSI target devices. Initiator devices (usually host bus adapters on server computers) start all I/O operations.

Storage virtualization defines virtual storage units for end-users and maps the virtual storage units to actual physical storage locations. Efficient storage virtualization needs LUN remapping. During LUN remapping (or mapping) virtual LUNs are mapped to actual physical LUNs. In SANs, storage virtualization is often desirable and makes it more efficient to manage large amounts of data.

As described above, Fibre Channel fabric switches are often used to couple various elements of a SAN. Conventional switches today do not provide a method or system by which they can efficiently map LUNs and hence facilitate storage virtualization.

Therefore, there is a need for a Fibre Channel switch element to efficiently handle LUN Mapping for facilitating storage virtualization.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a Fibre Channel switch element in a Fibre Channel network is provided. The Fibre Channel switch element includes

a port that replaces a logical unit number (“LUN”) field value in a FCP_CMND frame. The port includes a LUN Mapping cache for replacing the LUN field value in a FCP_CMND frame. The LUN Mapping cache may also generate a value that is added to or subtracted from the LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame. A control bit is used to activate LUN Mapping cache for mapping LUN values.

In another aspect of the present invention, a SAN is provided with a Fibre Channel switch element having a port that replaces a LUN field value in a FCP_CMND frame, as described above.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for processing FCP_CMND frames in a storage area network is provided. The method includes setting up a LUN mapping cache; comparing plural FCP_CMND frame fields; and substituting a LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame with a LUN mapping cache entry.

The LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame may be offset by a certain value generated by the LUN mapping cache.

This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof concerning the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features and other features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment. In the drawings, the same components have the same reference numerals. The illustrated embodiment is intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. The drawings include the following Figures:

FIG. 1A shows an example of a Fibre Channel storage area network;

FIG. 1B shows an example of a Fibre Channel switch element, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of a 20-channel switch chassis, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of a Fibre Channel switch element with sixteen GL_Ports and four 10 G ports, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of a switch port used for mapping LUNs, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a logic diagram of a LUN Mapping cache, according to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram for LUN substitution, according to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a process flow diagram for LUN substitution, according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions:

The following definitions are provided as they are typically (but not exclusively) used in the Fibre Channel environment, implementing the various adaptive aspects of the present invention.

“D_ID”: A 24-bit Fibre Channel header field that contains the destination address for a frame.

“Exchange”—Operations for a SCSI data read or write. An exchange consists of three operational phases: command phase, data movement phase and response phase.

“E_Port”: A fabric expansion port that attaches to another Interconnect port to create an Inter-Switch Link.

“Fabric”: The structure or organization of a group of switches, target and host devices (NL_Port, N_ports etc.).

“FCP-2”: A Fibre Channel protocol for mapping SCSI commands to Fibre Channel.

“FCP_CMND”: A Fibre Channel frame defined by SCSI-FCP-2 standard that is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

“FCP_DATA”: A Fibre Channel frame defined in SCSI_FCP-2 standard that carries SCSI data.

“F_Port”: A port to which non-loop N_Ports are attached to a fabric and does not include FL_ports.

“Fibre Channel ANSI Standard”: The standard (FC-FS and other standards)(incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) describes the physical interface, transmission and signaling protocol of a high performance serial link for support of other high level protocols associated with IPI, SCSI, IP, ATM and others.

“Initiator”: A SCSI device that initiates an input/output (“I/O”) operation, for example, a HBA.

“LUN”: A unique logical unit number that identifies a sub-unit for a SCSI device. The LUN field is defined in the FCP_CMND payload.

“L_Port”: A port that contains Arbitrated Loop functions associated with the Arbitrated Loop topology.

“OX_ID”: An Originator (i.e., a device/port that originates an exchange) Exchange identification field in a Fibre Channel frame header.

“N-Port”: A direct fabric attached port, for example, a disk drive or a HBA.

“NL_Port”: A L_Port that can perform the function of a N_Port.

“PLOGI”: Standard Fibre Channel N_Port to N_Port login. PLOGI determines the N_port to N_Port parameters and provides a specific set of operating parameters for communicating between N_ports. The port requesting PLOGI sends a PLOGI Extended Link Service Request addressed to the D_ID of an N_Port with which it needs to communicate. The addressed N_Port then returns an ACC (accept) reply. The request and reply contain operating parameters for communication between the N_Ports. The format for the request and reply are provided by the Fibre Channel standards.

“Port”: A general reference to N. Sub.—Port or F.Sub.—Port.

“PRLI”: Fibre Channel process login used by SCSI devices to establish a SCSI connection.

“R_CTL”: A 8-bit Fibre Channel header field that identifies the type of frame.

“RX_ID”: A responder (i.e., a device/port that responds) exchange identification field in a Fibre Channel frame header.

“SAM”: SCSI Architecture Model

“SAN”: Storage Area Network

“SCSI FCP”: A standard protocol, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for implementing SCSI on a Fibre Channel SAN.

“S_ID”: A 24-bit field in a Fibre Channel frame header that contains the source address for a frame.

“Switch”: A fabric element conforming to the Fibre Channel Switch standards.

“Target”: A SCSI device that accepts I/O operations from Initiators, for example, storage devices such as disks and tape drives.

Switch Element

To facilitate an understanding of the preferred embodiment, the general architecture and operation of a Fibre Channel switch element will be described. The specific architecture and operation of the preferred embodiment will then be described with reference to the general architecture of the Fibre Channel system.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a 20-port ASIC fabric element according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1B provides the general architecture of a 20-channel switch chassis using the 20-port fabric element. Fabric element includes ASIC 20 with non-blocking Fibre Channel class 2 (connectionless, acknowledged) and class 3 (connectionless, unacknowledged) service between any ports. It is noteworthy that ASIC 20 may also be designed for class 1 (connection-oriented) service, within the scope and operation of the present invention as described herein.

The fabric element of the present invention is presently implemented as a single CMOS ASIC, and for this reason the term “fabric element” and ASIC are used interchangeably to refer to the preferred embodiments in this specification. Although FIG. 1B shows 20 ports, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of ports.

ASIC 20 has 20 ports numbered in FIG. 1B as GL0 through GL19. These ports are generic to common Fibre Channel port types, for example, F_Port, FL_Port and E-Port. In other words, depending upon what it is attached to, each GL port can function as any type of port. Also, the GL port may function as a special port useful in fabric element linking, as described below.

For illustration purposes only, all GL ports are drawn on the same side of ASIC 20 in FIG. 1B. However, the ports may be located on both sides of ASIC 20 as shown in other figures. This does not imply any difference in port or ASIC design. Actual physical layout of the ports will depend on the physical layout of the ASIC.

Each port GL0-GL19 has transmit and receive connections to switch crossbar 50. One connection is through receive buffer 52, which functions to receive and temporarily hold a frame during a routing operation. The other connection is through a transmit buffer 54.

Switch crossbar 50 includes a number of switch crossbars for handling specific types of data and data flow control information. For illustration purposes only, switch crossbar 50 is shown as a single crossbar. Switch crossbar 50 is a connectionless crossbar (packet switch) of known conventional design, sized to connect 21×21 paths. This is to accommodate 20 GL ports plus a port for connection to a fabric controller, which may be external to ASIC 20.

In the preferred embodiments of switch chassis described herein, the fabric controller is a firmware-programmed microprocessor, also referred to as the input/output processor (“IOP”). IOP 66 is shown in FIG. 1C as a part of a switch chassis utilizing one or more of ASIC 20. As seen in FIG. 1B, bi-directional connection to IOP 66 is routed through port 67, which connects internally to a control bus 60. Transmit buffer 56, receive buffer 58, control register 62 and Status register 64 connect to bus 60. Transmit buffer 56 and receive buffer 58 connect the internal connectionless switch crossbar 50 to IOP 66 so that it can source or sink frames.

Control register 62 receives and holds control information from IOP 66, so that IOP 66 can change characteristics or operating configuration of ASIC 20 by placing certain control words in register 62. IOP 66 can read status of ASIC 20 by monitoring various codes that are placed in status register 64 by monitoring circuits (not shown).

FIG. 1C shows a 20-channel switch chassis S2 using ASIC 20 and IOP 66. S2 will also include other elements, for example, a power supply (not shown). The 20 GL_Ports correspond to channel C0-C19. Each GL_Port has a serial/deserializer (SERDES) designated as S0-S19. Ideally, the SERDES functions are implemented on ASIC 20 for efficiency, but may alternatively be external to each GL_Port. The SERDES converts parallel data into a serial data stream for transmission and converts received serial data into parallel data. The 8 bit to 10 bit encoding enables the SERDES to generate a clock signal from the received data stream.

Each GL_Port may have an optical-electric converter, designated as OE0-OE19 connected with its SERDES through serial lines, for providing fibre optic input/output connections, as is well known in the high performance switch design. The converters connect to switch channels C0-C19. It is noteworthy that the ports can connect through copper paths or other means instead of optical-electric converters.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of ASIC 20 with sixteen GL ports and four 10 G (Gigabyte) port control modules designated as XG0-XG3 for four 10 G ports designated as XGPO-XGP3. ASIC 20 include a control port 62A that is coupled to IOP 66 through a PCI connection 66A.

LUN Mapping Cache 26:

FIG. 1E shows an example of a port 22, according to one aspect of the present invention. Port 22 includes a receive pipeline 25 that receives Fibre Channel frames/data 29. Received data 29 is processed and then via crossbar 50 moves to a transmit pipeline 28. The transmit pipeline 28 transmits data 30 to the destination. Details of the pipelines and how frames are transmitted using alias cache 27 are provided in the patent application Ser. No. 10/894,546, filed on Jul. 20, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Port 22 also includes a LUN Mapping cache 26 that substitutes (or adds/subtracts an offset value) the LUN field on frames being received or transmitted by port 22. The term “cache” as used herein is intended to include plural logic elements rather than just temporary storage.

LUN Mapping cache 26 matches S_ID, D_ID and the LUN field of an incoming FCP_CMND frame and the LUN field is substituted (or an offset value is added/subtracted) in the payload. When an offset value is used, then only the S_ID and D_ID fields are compared. LUN Mapping cache 26 includes multiple entries (as described below with respect to FIG. 2) that are compared simultaneously with plural fields in an incoming frame.

It is noteworthy that a new cyclic redundancy code (“CRC”) value may also be calculated in the FCP_CMND based on a new LUN field value. The CRC value is computed and compared for maintaining frame integrity.

FCP_CMND frames are identified by a Fibre Channel header fields as follows:

• “Type”: The Type field has a value of 8 to identify a SCSI frame; and
• R_CTL field has its upper 4 bits set to 0 and the lower 4 bits set to 6, which identifies an unsolicited command.

LUN Mapping cache 26 may be used to compare the D_ID and/or S_ID and/or LUN field of a command to a cache entry and if equal, an offset may be added to the LUN value in the command payload. The LUN value itself may be identified in a LUN Mapping cache 26 entry.

LUN Mapping cache 26 may also be used to compare the D_ID and/or S_ID and/or LUN field of a command to a cache entry and if equal, the LUN value in the command payload is substituted with a cache entry. The new LUN field value itself may be identified in a cache 26 entry.

LUN Mapping cache 26 may be included in a port attached to a SCSI initiator (for example, HBA 11). In this case bits 8-23 of the D_ID are compared.

LUN Mapping cache 26 may also be included at a port attached to a SCSI target (for example, HBA 21). In this case, bits 8-23 of the S_ID are compared. The LUN field itself may be a 2-byte field used by most devices or an 8-byte LUN structure as described by the SCSI SAM-2 specification, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

LUN Mapping Cache 26:

LUN Mapping cache 26 includes plural entries and compares the D_ID for frames received at a port or the S_ID for frames that are being transmitted from the port. FIG. 2 shows a detailed logic diagram from LUN Mapping cache 26 with entries 00 to entry 15 (i.e. 16 entries). Entry 00 includes entry 26P, a value for LUN substitution or for adding/subtracting a LUN offset value.

It is noteworthy that although various bit values are shown in FIG. 2, the adaptive aspects of the present invention are not limited to any particular bit value.

Cache 26 includes a multiplexer (“Mux”) 26D that receives a 24-bit D_ID value 26C for frames that are received and a 24-bit S_ID value 26B for frames that are transmitted from a port (for example, 22). 26C also includes a Rx_valid signal that indicates a valid receive side frame and a receive side LUN value (Rx_LUN) Field. 26D includes a Tx_valid signal that indicates a valid transmit side frame and a transmit side LUN value (Tx_LUN) Field. The Rx_valid and Tx_valid signals provides both a timing qualifier to align the different data fields of 26C and 26B and to qualify the frame as a FCP_CMND for the receive and transmit frame respectively. Command/signal 26A (shown as Rx_LUN_Active) is used to enable LUN Mapping in receive or transmit side, according to one aspect of the present invention.

Incoming frames D_ID or S_ID values are compared by logic 26K, 26L, 26M and 26Y with entries 26F, 26G, 26H1 and 26H, respectively. A valid bit in 26E is set if a cache entry is enabled for comparison.

Entry 26H includes a LUN field that is compared with the LUN field in the frame (i.e. Rx_LUN Field or Tx_LUN Field). LUN field 26H comparison is performed by logic 26Y that also receives an input (Rx_LUN Field and/or Tx_LUN Field) from Mux 26D. Output from logic 26Y is sent to logic 26Z (an OR gate).

Logic 26N generates a command/signal (output 26J) based on the comparison. Output 26J is sent to logic 26Q that generates a hit LUN Mapping signal 26R or a multiple (LUN Mapping) hit signal 26S. If a multiple hit signal 26S is generated, then the lowest entry number may be used and an error status is set and sent to IOP 66.

Output 26J is also sent to an encoder module 26T, whose output is sent to MUX 26U. If hit signal 26R is generated then the LUN from the cache entry (26P) is substituted (or LUN offset value is added/subtracted) in the frame header LUN field. This is shown as 26V in FIG. 2. A control bit in logic 26P or 26E may be set to select between LUN value substitution or an offset operation.

A control signal 26X is also generated that allows LUN field substitution. Control signal 26X (or bits) is used to control the operation of Mux 33C and Mux 33d (FIG. 3).

If LUN Mapping cache 26 is located on the initiator side, then the following fields are used:

D_ID: 24 bits are matched to the D_ID of incoming FCP_CMND frames;

S_ID: 8-bits are optionally matched to the lower 8-bits of S_ID, in case multiple devices are attached to the port due to an Arbitrated Loop configuration or if the N_Port Virtual identifier is used;

LUN match: 16 bits are used if only the first level LUN is used or 64-bits are used if the full LUN value is used. The LUN match may not be optionally used when LUN substitution is configured using an offset addition or subtraction. The LUN match may be enabled or disabled by control bits in 26E;

Substitute LUN: 16-bits or 64-bits are used for substitution depending on the level of the LUN. The substitute LUN value may be generated by addition/subtraction of the offset value from 26P and the value in the frame or directly from 26P itself; and

26E has a valid flag (and control bits) if a cache entry has been configured for use.

A mode flag (in the control register at control port 62 and/or 62A) may be used so that after the addresses and LUN field are compared, either a LUN substitution or LUN offset value is added (or subtracted). This control may also be used in 26E or 26P as described above.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of how LUN substitution takes place. A frame 31 enters a port (for example, 22). The various frame fields are shown in Table 33. An outgoing frame from a port is shown as 32 and the various frame fields are shown in Table 34.

The control bits (or mode flags) are used to either replace the LUN value or add/subtract an offset value. Logic 33G and 33E is used to add a LUN offset value (from 26P), while logic 33F and 33H is used for subtraction.

The value that is placed in an incoming frame is shown as 34B, and in an outgoing frame it is shown as 34A. Mux 33C and 33D are used to generate values 34B and 34A, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram for using LUN Mapping cache 26, according to one aspect of the present invention. In step S400, LUN Mapping cache 26 is set up by firmware of switch element 20. A control bit in control port 62 and 62A identifies whether an entire LUN field in a FCP_CMND is to be substituted or an offset is to be added/subtracted.

In step S401, a frame is received, for example frame 31.

In step S402, incoming frame fields are compared to LUN Mapping cache 26 entries, described above with respect to FIG. 2.

In step S403, either the LUN field is substituted or an offset is added/subtracted from the LUN field value in the incoming frame, as described above.

The process shown in FIG. 4 is also applicable for an outgoing frame (for example, frame 32).

In one aspect of the present invention, storage virtualization is improved because a Fibre Channel switch element can efficiently map LUN values by associating virtual LUN values to physical LUN values.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these embodiments are illustrative only and not limiting. Many other applications and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent in light of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. A Fibre Channel switch element in a Fibre Channel network, comprising: a port having (i) a receive segment for receiving a fibre channel frame; (ii) a transmit segment for transmitting a fibre channel frame; (iii) a control segment that stores an indicator value to identify whether an entire logical unit number (LUN) field in a FCP_CMND frame is to be replaced; or an offset value is to be added or subtracted from the FCP_CMD frame; and (iv) a hardware based LUN mapping cache that replaces the entire LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame with the new LUN field value; or adds the offset value to the FCP_CMND frame or subtracts the offset value from the FCP_CMND frame based on the indicator value, wherein for each replaced LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame; a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) field value is replaced by a newly computed CRC value using the new LUN field value, and wherein the LUN Mapping cache generates the offset value that is either added to or subtracted from the LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame based on the indicator value.

2. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein the LUN Mapping cale generates the new LUN field value that is directly substituted in the FCP_CMND frame.

3. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein a destination identifier (D_ID), a source identifier (S_ID), or a LUN field of the FCP_CMND frame is compared to a LUN mapping cache entry to identify a frame for a LUN field value substitution

4. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein a destination identifier D_ID, a source identifier S_ID, or a LUN field of the FCP_CMND frame is compared to a LUN mapping cache entry t obtain a LUN field substitution value.

5. The Fibre Channel switch Element of claim 1, wherein the LUN mapping cache simultaneously compares plural frame fields to generate a hit signal.

6. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein the indicator value from the control segment activates the LUN mapping cache for mapping LUN values.

7. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein an error status is set, if a multiple hit signal is generated after the LUN mapping cache compares plural frame fields

8. The Fibre Channel switch element of claim 1, wherein the LUN mapping cache performs LUN mapping for both incoming and outgoing frames.

9. A storage area network (“SAN”), comprising: a Fibre Channel switch element coupled to at least two network devices communicating with each other; wherein the Fibre Channel switch element includes: a port with (i) a receive segment for receiving a fibre channel frame; (ii) a transmit segment for transmitting a fibre channel frame; (iii) a control segment that stores an indicator value to identify whether an entire logical unit number (LUN) field in a FCP_CMND frame is to be replaced; or an offset value is to be added or subtracted from the FCP_CMD frame; and (iv) a hardware based LUN mapping cache that replaces the entire LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame with the new LUN field value; or adds the offset value to the FCP_CMND frame or subtracts the offset value from the FCP_CMND frame based on the indicator value, wherein for each replaced LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame; a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) field value is replaced by a newly computed CRC value using the new LUN field value, and wherein the LUN Mapping cache generates the offset value that is either added to or subtracted from the LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame based on the indicator value.

10. The SAN of claim 9, wherein the LUN mapping cache simultaneously compares plural frame fields to generate a hit signal.

11. The SAN of claim 9, wherein the indicator value from the control segment activates the LUN mapping cache for mapping LUN values.

12. The SAN of claim 9, wherein an error status is set, if a multiple hit signal is generated after the LUN mapping cache compares plural frame fields.

13. The SAN of claim 9, wherein the LUN mapping cache performs LUN mapping for both incoming and outgoing frames.

14. A method for processing FCP_CMND frames in a storage area network having a fibre channel switch element, comprising: setting up a hardware based LUN mapping cache at a port of the fibre channel switch element, wherein the port includes a receive segment for receiving a fibre channel frame; a transmit segment for transmitting a fibre channel frame; and a control segment that stores an indicator value to identify whether an entire logical unit number (LUN) field in a FCP_CMND frame is to be replaced; or an offset value is to be added or subtracted from the FCP_CMND frame; and wherein the indicator value from the control segment activates the LUN mapping cache for mapping LUN values;comparing plural FCP_CMND frame fields with the LUN mapping cache entries; and substituting a LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame with a new LUN field value based on a LUN mapping cache entry; wherein the LUN mapping cache replaces the entire LUN field value in the FCP_CMND frame with the new LUN field value; adds the offset value to the FCP_CMND frame or subtracts the offset value from the FCP_CMND frame based on the indicator value, wherein for each replaced LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame; a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) field value is replaced by a newly computed CRC value using the new LUN field value, and wherein the LUN Mapping cache generates the offset value that is either added to or subtracted from the LUN field value in the FCP CMND frame based on the indicator value.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein a source identifier (S_ID), a destination identifier (D_ID), or a LUN field value of the FCP_CMND frame is compared to a LUN mapping cache entry to identify a frame for a LUN field value substitution.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the LUN mapping cache performs LUN mapping for both incoming and outgoing frames.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein an error status is set, a multiple hit signal is generated after the LUN mapping cache compares a plurality of frame fields.