A storage router includes an IP network interface with IP network ports and data path processors. Each of the data path processors may control one of the IP network ports. High speed communication links couple the data path processors with a fiber channel switch. The storage router may route IP datagrams between the data path processors using the fiber channel switch. The fiber channel switch switches fiber channel packets between the data path processors and a plurality of fiber channel switch ports. The fiber channel packets may be encapsulated IP datagrams. Fiber channel packets received at a data path processor may be re-encapsulated and sent back through the fiber channel switch to another data path processor when the packets are destined for IP addresses associated with IP network ports controlled by other data path processors. Among other things, asymmetric data paths, and multiple and redundant communication paths with host systems are supported.

 
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> Apparatus and method for distance extension of fibre-channel over transport

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