Data structure describing logical data spaces

Abstract

A data structure is disclosed. The data structure includes a data descriptor record. In turn, the data descriptor record includes a type field, a base address field, an offset field, wherein the, and a length field. The type field may be configured, for example, to indicate a data structure type. The data structure type may be configured to assume a values indicating one of a contiguous buffer, a scatter-gather list and a linked list structure, among other such data structures. The base address field may be configured, for example, to store a base address, with the base address being a starting address of a secondary data structure associated with the data descriptor record. The offset field may be configured, for example, to indicate a starting address of data within a secondary data structure pointed to by a base address stored in the base address field. The length field is configured to indicate a length of data stored in a secondary data structure pointed to by a base address stored in the base address field.

1 - 40 . (canceled)  
   
   
       41 . A data structure comprising: 
 a data descriptor record, wherein said data descriptor record includes    at least one addressing field, and    a type field, wherein    said type field is configured to indicate a data    structure type of a data storage structure, and    said data storage structure is a data structure described by said data descriptor record.    
   
   
       42 . The data structure of  claim 41 , wherein said at least one addressing field comprises: 
 a base address field,    an offset field, and    a length field.    
   
   
       43 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein 
 said data structure type if one of a contiguous buffer, a scatter-gather list and a linked list structure.    
   
   
       44 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein 
 said base address field is configured to store a base address, said base address is a starting address of a secondary data structure associated with said data descriptor record, and    said secondary data structure is said data storage structure.    
   
   
       45 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein 
 said offset field is configured to indicate a starting address of data within a secondary data structure pointed to by a base address stored in said base address field, and    said secondary data structure is said data storage structure.    
   
   
       46 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein 
 said length field is configured to indicate a length of data stored in a secondary data structure pointed to by a base address stored in said base address field, and said secondary data structure is said data storage structure.    
   
   
       47 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein said data descriptor record further comprises: 
 a context field.    
   
   
       48 . The data structure of  claim 47 , wherein said context field is configured to store information regarding an address space type in which said data descriptor record exists.  
   
   
       49 . The data structure of  claim 42 , wherein said data descriptor record further comprises: 
 an in-line data field, and    an in-line data buffer, wherein said data structure is said data storage structure.    
   
   
       50 . The data structure of  claim 49 , wherein said in-line data field is configured to store information regarding said in-line data buffer.  
   
   
       51 . The data structure of  claim 50 , wherein said information regarding said in-line data buffer includes a value representing a length of said in-line data buffer.  
   
   
       52 . The data structure of  claim 51 , wherein said length of said in-line data buffer is capable of assuming only set values.  
   
   
       53 . The data structure of  claim 52 , wherein said value assumes a non-zero value to indicate that said in-line data buffer is used.  
   
   
       54 . The data structure of  claim 51 , wherein said in-line data buffer is a variable-length buffer.  
   
   
       55 . The data structure of  claim 50 , wherein said in-line data buffer is configured to store data contiguously with said data descriptor record.