Multipath redundant storage system architecture and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a storage system and method that provides multi-path bus and component interconnection and isolation in a data storage system. A plurality of data storage devices in a removable assembly are connected to a fabric that is configurable to connect some or all of the data storage devices to a disc controller and configurable to isolate one or more data storage devices from the disc controller. Multiple controllers, fabrics, and interconnecting buses may be employed to provide redundancy in the event of a connector, bus, or controller failure. Computer program code operating in a host, interface controller, and / or disc controller configures the fabric to isolate failed devices and may be employed to optimize data transfer rates. Data storage devices may be multi-ported. The fabric may comprise any device or devices capable of configurably interconnecting data storage devices to one or more controllers and may comprise multiplexers, cross point switches, port bypass controllers. Fabrics may also provide translation or conversion of one bus or interface format to another format.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] a. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention pertains generally to data storage systems and more specifically to a system and method of interconnection of storage components in fault tolerant data storage systems. [0003] b. Description of the Background [0004] Data storage systems may comprise one or more disc drives connected to one or more disc controllers that are connected to a host or network interface. Each component of the storage system, such as disc drives, controllers, connectors, and wiring are a potential point of failure in the system. Some systems, such as personal computers, for example, may lose access to data in the event of a failure of a controller, bus, or connector. Access to data may require that a failed component be repaired or replaced or that a disc drive be installed in another system to access data. Failure of a disc drive usually results in loss of stored data. Larger storage systems may employ redundancy meth...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention furnishes redundant storage system architectures and isolation methods that provide fault tolerance in data storage systems and that can be employed to eliminate single points of failure.

Problems solved by technology

Each component of the storage system, such as disc drives, controllers, connectors, and wiring are a potential point of failure in the system.

Some systems, such as personal computers, for example, may lose access to data in the event of a failure of a controller, bus, or connector.

Failure of a disc drive usually results in loss of stored data.

After the failure of a disc or disc controller, the system may often operate in a reduced performance condition until failed components are replaced or repaired.

Failure of a bus may require removal of drives and installation of the drives in another fixture or system in order to access data.

As the number of drives increases, the number of interconnections and likelihood of failure increases.

Components with very long MTBF (mean time between failure) ratings may adversely affect system cost.

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