Storage systems and thermal maintenance methods

Abstract

This application discloses a storage system and a hot maintenance method, relating to the field of storage technology. The method includes: after a computer device obtains the location indication information of a faulty extender, it can first determine the corresponding backup extender. Then, at any stage of fault handling of the faulty extender, when signal state change information is obtained, a control command can be generated and sent to the backup extender based on the signal state change information, location indication information, and a control command template. In this way, the backup extender can determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information included in the control command. During fault handling, the backup extender can perform management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage to handle the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender without interrupting the relevant services corresponding to the backup extender, thus ensuring service continuity and achieving hot maintenance of the extender.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of storage technology, and in particular to storage systems and thermal maintenance methods. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of storage technology, the rapid development of technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and metaverse has led to a surge in demand for server storage capabilities. Therefore, current solutions involve connecting extenders to servers, enabling them to connect to more storage devices and thus meet larger data storage needs.

[0003] However, extenders may malfunction, requiring manual maintenance and replacement only if the faulty extender cannot be repaired. The process of replacing a faulty extender results in a significant service interruption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a storage system and a hot maintenance method to address the problem of long service interruption times during maintenance.

[0005] This application provides a storage system, including a computer device and multiple expanders;

[0006] A computer device is used to acquire location indication information of a faulty extender, wherein the faulty extender is any one of multiple extenders; based on the location indication information, a backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender is determined from among the multiple extenders; when signal state change information of the faulty extender is acquired in the target stage, a control command is generated based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and a pre-built control command template, and sent to the backup extender, wherein the target stage is any one of multiple stages for fault handling of the faulty extender;

[0007] The backup extender is used to determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the backup extender; and to perform management operations corresponding to the target stage on the downlink port so as to handle the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender in the storage system through management operations.

[0008] This application also provides a hot maintenance method applied to the above-mentioned storage system, comprising:

[0009] The computer device acquires the location indication information of the faulty extender, wherein the faulty extender is any one of multiple extenders; based on the location indication information, it determines the backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender among the multiple extenders; when the signal state change information of the faulty extender is acquired in the target stage, it generates a control command based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and the pre-built control command template, and sends it to the backup extender, wherein the target stage is any one of multiple stages for fault handling of the faulty extender;

[0010] Based on the location indication information, the backup extender determines the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the backup extender; it performs management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage, so as to process the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender in the storage system through the management operations.

[0011] This application allows a computer device to determine the corresponding backup extender after obtaining the location indication information of the faulty extender. During any stage of fault handling of the faulty extender, its signal state may change. Therefore, upon obtaining signal state change information at any stage of fault handling, a control command can be generated and sent to the backup extender based on the signal state change information, location indication information, and control command template for that stage. The backup extender can then determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information included in the control command. During fault handling, the backup extender can perform management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage to manage the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender without interrupting related services, ensuring service continuity and enabling hot maintenance of the extender. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a storage system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another storage system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another storage system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another storage system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a thermal maintenance method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another storage system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of another thermal maintenance method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0021] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The terms "first," "second," etc., in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] This application provides a storage system, such as Figure 1 As shown, the storage system may include a computer device 10 and multiple expanders (EXPs). For example, the multiple expanders may include expander 201 and expander 202. The computer device 10 may be a server, and the expanders may be serial-attached small computer system interface expanders (SAS expanders).

[0024] Multiple extenders can be arranged hierarchically. Computer device 10 can be connected to each extender at the highest level of the storage system. Each extender can connect to multiple downstream devices, including those managed by the extender as the supervising extender. Figure 1 The downlink devices that are solidly connected by extenders 201 and 202 also include downlink devices managed by the extender as a backup extender, for example, Figure 1 The downlink devices connected by the dashed lines in extender 201 and extender 202. In this application, the downlink device corresponding to the extender can be the downlink device connected to the downlink port of the extender which is in the default open state, that is, the downlink device managed by the aforementioned extender as the master extender.

[0025] When a storage system includes a tier of expanders, each expander in the storage system can connect to one or more storage devices. The storage devices can be hard disk drives (HDDs). For example, in... Figure 1 The device connected to extender 202 is its corresponding downstream device. Alternatively, when the storage system includes multiple tiers, the extender of the first tier connects to multiple extenders in the second tier. The first tier can be any tier other than the lowest tier, and the second tier is one tier lower than the first tier. The extenders of the lowest tier connect to one or more storage devices. Taking two tiers as an example... Figure 2 As shown, the first-level extenders include extender 203 and extender 204, and the second-level extenders include extender 205, extender 206, extender 207, and extender 208. Extender 203 manages extenders 205 and 206, and extender 204 manages extenders 207 and 208. When extender 204 fails, extender 203 can act as a backup extender corresponding to extender 204 to manage extenders 207 and 208. Conversely, when extender 203 fails, extender 204 can act as a backup extender corresponding to extender 204 to manage extenders 205 and 206.

[0026] After introducing the architecture of the storage system, the specific functions of the computer device 10 and the expander in the storage system will be described in detail below.

[0027] First, computer device 10 can be used to perform the following steps:

[0028] Step 1: Obtain the location indication information of the fault extender.

[0029] The fault extender can be any one of multiple extenders. The downlink devices corresponding to each of the multiple extenders can include storage devices, for example, in... Figure 2 In this context, the downstream devices corresponding to extender 203 include extender 205, extender 206, a storage device connected to extender 205, and a storage device connected to extender 206. Accordingly, computer device 10 can specifically be used to perform the following steps to obtain location indication information of the faulty extender:

[0030] Step 1: Obtain the identification information of the detected storage devices.

[0031] Step 2: When it is determined that there are unmonitored storage device identification information based on the identification information of the monitored storage devices and the pre-built full information table, the identification information of the target expander corresponding to the identification information of the unmonitored storage device is determined based on the identification information of the unmonitored storage device and the correspondence between the identification information of the expander and the identification information of the storage device.

[0032] The full information table includes identification information of all storage devices that computer device 10 recognizes when any extender is not malfunctioning.

[0033] Step 3: Obtain the storage path of the target expander based on its identification information.

[0034] Specifically, computer device 10 can periodically monitor the storage devices connected to the extender and record the identification information of the monitored storage devices. When an extender fails, the storage devices connected to it cannot be monitored by computer device 10. Therefore, computer device 10 can compare the identification information of the monitored storage devices with the identification information of the storage devices included in the full information table to see if they are completely consistent. If they are, it can be determined that no extender has failed. If there is inconsistent identification information of the storage devices, it can be determined that the inconsistent identification information of the storage devices is the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices. Since computer device 10 has recorded the identification information of each extender and the identification information of the storage devices connected to each extender, computer device 10 can determine the identification information of the extender corresponding to the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices. Furthermore, computer device 10 can obtain the storage path of the target extender based on the identification information of the target extender. The determined identification information of the target extender and the obtained storage path of the target extender together constitute the location indication information.

[0035] In some alternative implementations, the location indication information may include only the identification information of the target extender, or only the storage path of the target extender.

[0036] Step 2: Based on the location indication information, identify the backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender from among multiple extenders.

[0037] The backup extender and the fault extender belong to the same level.

[0038] Step 3: When the signal status change information of the fault extender is obtained in the target phase, a control command is generated based on the signal status change information, location indication information, and pre-built control command template, and then sent to the backup extender.

[0039] The target phase can be any of the multiple phases for fault handling of the fault extender.

[0040] Specifically, in step two, after determining the location indication information of the fault extender, the computer device 10 can perform corresponding fault processing. That is, firstly, based on the identification information of the fault extender included in the location indication information, and the correspondence between the fault device identification information and the standby device identification information, the target standby device identification information corresponding to the identification information of the fault extender is determined, and the extender corresponding to the target standby device identification information is determined as the standby extender corresponding to the fault extender.

[0041] In step three, the computer device 10 can add the fault extender identification information and / or storage path included in the location indication information to the corresponding location field of the control command template, determine the status indication information corresponding to the signal status change information based on the signal status change information, and add the status indication information corresponding to the signal status change information to the status field of the control command template.

[0042] The target stage mentioned above can be either the extender reset stage or the extender replacement stage. Accordingly, in different stages, the generation of control commands can specifically include the following two cases:

[0043] Case 1: When the target stage is the extender reset stage, and the status of the reset signal of the faulty extender changes from normal to abnormal (i.e., the signal status change information corresponding to the extender reset stage is obtained), the computer device 10 can generate a first control command based on the signal status change information corresponding to the extender reset stage, the position indication information, and the pre-built control command template, and send it to the backup extender.

[0044] The normal state of the reset signal can be a high level, and the abnormal state can be a "locked-down state", that is, the state of the reset signal remains at a low level.

[0045] Control command templates can include tool identification information, parameter list, command type, downlink port status indication information, security code, extender identification information, extender path, etc. For example, a control command template could be "sg_senddiag-pr 10,0,0,3, <level1expanderdownlinkset> ， <level1expanderid> ， <on off> ， <securitycode>" / dev / sgX", where "sg_senddiag" is the identifier for the calling tool, and "-p-r10,0,0,3" indicates that the command requires the parameter list "10,0,0,3". <level1expanderdownlinkset>This indicates that the command is a command type used to control the status of a downlink port. <level1expanderid>"This is the identifier information for the extender." <on off>This refers to the status indication information of the downlink port, specifically when the status indication information is " <on>When "", it indicates that the downlink port corresponding to the extender's identification information should be opened; or, when the status indicator information is " <off>"When this occurs, it instructs the downlink port corresponding to the extender's identification information to be shut down."<security code> "" represents security code, a specific code used for verifying operation permissions or for encryption purposes. " / dev / sgX" is the storage path for the extender. The first control command can be a control command to close the downlink port.

[0046] Specifically, when the reset signal of the fault extender changes from a normal state to an abnormal state, it indicates that the fault extender has been identified as an unrepairable extender and needs to be replaced. Therefore, the computer device 10 can add the fault extender's identification information and storage path included in the location indication information to the corresponding position in the control command template, and can determine that the status indication information is in the open state, adjusting the status field of the control command template to the open state (for example, the aforementioned " <on>In this way, the first control command can be generated and sent to the backup extender, so that the backup extender can take over the services of the faulty extender in time and avoid service interruption.

[0047] Scenario 2: When the target stage is the extender replacement stage, and the signal status change information corresponding to the extender replacement stage is obtained (this can be obtained by directly detecting the status of the in-situ signal of the faulty extender, or by other components detecting the status of the in-situ signal of the faulty extender and sending it to the computer device 10; these other components can be…), Figure 3 When the logic controller 30 in the computer device 10 is in use, the computer device 10 can generate a second control command based on the signal state change information, position indication information, and pre-built control command template corresponding to the target stage, and send it to the backup extender.

[0048] The second control command can be a control command to open the downlink port.

[0049] Specifically, when the presence signal of the fault extender changes from an absent state to a present state, it indicates that a new extender has been connected to the location where the original fault extender was. At this time, the identification information and storage path of the fault extender included in the location indication information can be added to the corresponding position in the control command template, and the status indication information can be determined to be in the off state. The status field of the control command template is then adjusted to the off state (for example, the aforementioned " <off>In this way, a second control command can be generated, allowing the standby extender to promptly return the business to the new extender.

[0050] In summary, when the faulty extender fails, the computer device 10 can generate a first control command to notify the backup extender to take over the services of the faulty extender in a timely manner. Alternatively, after replacing the services of the faulty extender, it can generate a second control command to return the services of the faulty extender. Throughout the entire process, the services of the faulty extender are not interrupted, and after the fault is resolved, the services can be returned in a timely manner, thereby reducing the load on the backup extender as quickly as possible.

[0051] Second, the backup expander can be used to perform the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: Based on the location indication information, determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the backup extender.

[0053] Step two: Perform management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage, so as to process the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the fault extender in the storage system through management operations.

[0054] Among them, the downlink device corresponding to the fault extender is connected to the downlink port. When the fault extender is not faulty, the downlink port is in the off state, which can reduce signal interference.

[0055] Specifically, after receiving the control command sent by the computer device 10, the backup extender can parse the control command and read information such as the identification information of the calling tool, parameter list, command type, downlink port status indication information, security code, extender identification information, and extender path.

[0056] When the parsed command type is a command that controls the status of a downlink port, and the parsed status indication information indicates that the downlink port should be opened, it means that the current process is in the extender reset phase. The standby extender can determine the port identification information corresponding to the location indication information of the faulty extender based on the location indication information carried in the control command, as well as the port identification information. It can then identify the downlink port that corresponds to the location indication information of the faulty extender among its multiple downlink ports. The standby extender can then open the downlink port and take over the management of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender.

[0057] When the parsed command type is a command type that controls the status of the downlink port, and the parsed status indication information indicates that the downlink port should be shut down, it means that the process is currently in the extender replacement phase. The standby extender can shut down the downlink port to return management control of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender.

[0058] In the storage system of this application embodiment, after obtaining the location indication information of the faulty extender, the computer device 10 can first determine the corresponding backup extender. Then, when signal state change information is obtained at any stage of fault handling of the faulty extender, a control command can be generated based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and a pre-built control command template, and sent to the backup extender. In this way, the backup extender can determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information based on the location indication information included in the control command, that is, determine the downlink port connected to the downlink device managed by the backup extender. During fault handling, the backup extender can perform management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage to handle the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender without interrupting the relevant services corresponding to the backup extender, thus ensuring service continuity and realizing hot maintenance of the extender.

[0059] This application also provides another storage system, such as Figure 3 As shown, the storage system may also include a logic controller 30, which is electrically connected to each expander. Figure 3 In the architecture shown, the various components in the storage system can cooperate to perform an initial reset operation on the fault extender. If the reset is successful, the service of the fault extender can be restored. Alternatively, if the reset fails, further fault handling can be performed.

[0060] The logic controller 30 can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) or a field-programmable gate array (FGPA).

[0061] The computer device 10 can also be used to generate a first reset command based on location indication information and a pre-built first reset command template, and send it to the backup extender. The backup extender can also be used to forward the first reset command to the logic controller 30. The logic controller 30 can be used to send a reset notification to the faulty extender and a reset operation completion notification to the backup extender after executing the first reset command. The faulty extender can also be used to perform a restart operation. The backup extender can also be used to forward the reset operation completion notification to the computer device 10 when it receives the reset operation completion notification sent by the logic controller 30. The computer device 10 can also be used to restore the service of the storage device connected to the faulty extender when it obtains a link success indication after performing a link operation on the faulty extender.

[0062] The successful connection indication message indicates that the fault extender has returned to normal operation after performing a restart operation.

[0063] The first reset command template can be a soft reset command template, and correspondingly, the first reset command is a soft reset command. The first reset command template may include the identifier information of the calling tool, a parameter list, command type, downlink port status indication information, security code, extender identifier information, extender path, etc. For example, the first reset command template could be "sg_senddiag-pr 10,0,0,3, <level1expanderreset> ， <level1expanderid>,<security code>, / dev / sgX”, <level1expanderreset>This indicates that the command is a soft reset command type.

[0064] Specifically, when computer device 10 obtains the location indication information of the fault extender, it can first add the obtained identification information and / or storage path of the fault extender to the corresponding field of the first reset command template, generate a first reset command, and send it to the backup extender. Upon receiving the first reset command, the backup extender can execute it to trigger a state toggle operation of the reset signal, that is, adjust the state of the reset signal from a high level to a low level and then back to a high level. The fault extender can detect this change in the reset signal (a rising delay in the reset signal, i.e., the change caused by the toggle from a low level to a high level) and will then perform a restart operation. After restarting, the fault extender's operating state may return to normal or it may remain in an abnormal state. After completing the reset operation, logic controller 30 can notify computer device 10, that is, send a reset operation completion notification to computer device 10. Computer device 10 can then perform the operation of connecting to the fault extender and obtain connection indication information. When the connection indication information is a successful connection indication, computer device 10 can restore the service of the storage device connected to the fault extender.

[0065] By performing a soft reset first, it can be determined whether the fault in the fault extender is recoverable. If so, the fault extender can return to normal after the logic controller 30 performs a soft reset. This eliminates the need for subsequent service takeover or return operations, allowing for faster fault resolution and resource conservation. Furthermore, the entire process requires no technical personnel intervention, reducing the error rate and offering greater convenience.

[0066] In some optional implementations, when the link indication information is a link failure indication, the computer device 10 can also be used to generate a second reset command based on the location indication information and a pre-built second reset command template, and send it to the backup extender. The backup extender can also be used to forward the second reset command to the logic controller 30. The logic controller 30 can also be used to adjust the state of the reset signal from a normal state to an abnormal state. Specifically, the computer device 10 is used to acquire the signal state change indication information of the extender reset phase when it detects that the state of the reset signal has changed from a normal state to an abnormal state.

[0067] The second reset command template can be a forced reset command template (or a hard reset command template), and correspondingly, the second reset command is a forced reset command. The second reset command template may include the tool's identification information, parameter list, command type, downlink port status indication information, security code, extender identification information, extender path, etc. For example, the second reset command template could be: "sg_senddiag-p-r10,0,0,3, <level1expandercontrol> ， <level1expanderid> ， <online>,<security code>, / dev / sgX”," <level1expandercontrol>This indicates that the command is a forced reset command type. <online>This indicates that the command is a forced reset command.

[0068] Specifically, if the fault extender remains in a faulty state after the logic controller 30 performs a soft reset, it indicates that the fault is irreversible and the extender needs to be replaced. In this case, the logic controller 30 can adjust the state of the reset signal from normal to abnormal. This allows the computer device 10 to detect the change in the reset signal state from normal to abnormal, thus obtaining the signal state change information corresponding to the extender reset phase.

[0069] In this way, if the link failure extender fails, the computer device 10 can promptly generate a first control command and send it to the backup extender, allowing the backup extender to take over the services corresponding to the failure extender in a timely manner, thus avoiding service interruption.

[0070] In some alternative implementations, the logic controller 30 may also be used to illuminate a fault indicator corresponding to the location indication information when it detects that the fault extender restart operation has failed or that the reset signal is in an abnormal state, so as to indicate the replacement of the fault extender.

[0071] Specifically, the logic controller 30 can also monitor whether the restart operation of the fault extender is successful and whether the status of the reset signal is abnormal. If so, the logic controller 30 can determine the fault indicator light corresponding to the location indication information based on the location indication information and execute the lighting operation. In this way, the fault indicator light at the location of the fault extender will light up, and technicians can replace the extender at the fault location in a timely manner.

[0072] In some optional implementations, the logic controller 30 may also be used to generate signal state change information for the extender replacement phase and send it to the backup extender after detecting that the state of the present signal has changed from absent to present. The computer device 10 is specifically used to receive the signal state change information for the extender replacement phase forwarded by the backup extender.

[0073] The signal status change information during the extender replacement phase can be used to indicate the presence of a new extender added to the storage system as a replacement extender corresponding to the faulty extender.

[0074] Specifically, after replacing the faulty extender, the new extender is automatically powered on, and the status of the presence signal corresponding to the location indication information changes from absent to present. The logic controller 30 can periodically monitor the presence signal of the faulty extender. When it detects that the presence signal status changes from absent to present, it can determine the faulty location and connect a new extender. At this time, the logic controller 30 can generate signal status change information and send it to the backup extender. Alternatively, the backup extender can periodically read the signal status change information of the faulty extender recorded by the logic controller 30. The backup extender forwards the signal status change information to the computer device 10. The computer device 10 then receives the signal status change information during the extender replacement phase, generates a second control command, and sends it to the backup extender. The backup extender can then return the services corresponding to the faulty extender to the newly connected extender.

[0075] In this way, by promptly returning services, the load on the standby expander can be reduced. This eliminates the need for service interruption, making maintenance more efficient. Furthermore, apart from replacing the expander, all other operations are handled by various components within the storage system, reducing human error and further improving maintenance efficiency.

[0076] In some optional implementations, computer device 10 can also be used to generate a third reset command based on location indication information and a third reset command template, and send it to the backup extender. The backup extender can also be used to forward the third reset command to logic controller 30. Logic controller 30 can also be used to restore the state of the reset signal from an abnormal state to a normal state and send a recovery completion notification to the backup extender. The backup extender can also be used to forward the recovery completion notification to computer device 10. Computer device 10 can also be used to restore services to the storage devices connected to the faulty extender.

[0077] The third reset command template may include the tool's identification information, parameter list, command type, downlink port status indication information, security code, extender identification information, and extender path. For example, the third reset command template could be "sg_senddiag-pr 10,0,0,3, <level1expandercontrol> ， <level1expanderid> ， <offline>,<security ocde>, / dev / sgX”。" <level1expandercontrol>This indicates that the command is a forced reset command type. <offline>This indicates that the command is a release forced reset command.

[0078] Specifically, after acquiring the signal status change information during the extender replacement phase, in addition to sending the second control command as described above, computer device 10 can add the faulty extender's identification information and storage path included in the location indication information to the corresponding position in the third reset command template, generate a third reset command, and send it to the backup extender. The backup extender forwards the third reset command to logic controller 30. After executing the third reset command, logic controller 30 can send a recovery completion notification to the backup extender. The backup extender can forward the recovery completion notification to computer device 10, thus enabling computer device 10 to restore the services of the storage device connected to the faulty extender.

[0079] In some optional implementations, the logic controller 30 may be provided with a register for recording reset operation information of the fault extender. Before performing a soft reset operation on the fault extender, the value in the register is 0. After performing a soft reset operation on the fault extender, the value in the register can be set to 1. For example, reg1[0] changes to reg1[1].

[0080] In some optional implementations, the logic controller 30 is further configured to turn off the fault indicator corresponding to the location indication information when it detects that the state of the presence signal has changed from an absence state to a presence state (e.g., when the presence state is low and the absence state is high, a falling edge on the presence signal indicates a change from an absence state to a presence state). Turning off the fault indicator immediately provides technicians with visual confirmation that the faulty extender has been successfully replaced and the new extender is functioning correctly. This not only improves the transparency of problem resolution but also reduces the uncertainty for technicians regarding whether the problem has been resolved.

[0081] In some optional implementations, the computer device 10 can periodically calculate the number of identified storage devices. When the number of identified storage devices equals a preset total number, a service recovery operation is performed on the extender corresponding to the location indication information. The preset total number can be the total number of identified storage devices included in the full information table.

[0082] The storage system of this application's embodiments automatically executes reset commands through the logic controller 30 and takes further action based on the reset results. The entire process requires no manual intervention, enabling rapid resolution of recoverable faults and reducing downtime. Furthermore, this solution employs a tiered reset strategy, first attempting a soft reset to minimize system interference; if ineffective, a more aggressive forced reset is performed, ensuring coverage of different fault types. Moreover, this solution immediately attempts to repair a fault upon detection, only considering hardware replacement when reset is deemed unrecoverable, avoiding unnecessary hardware replacement costs and time. When an unrecoverable fault is detected, the logic controller 30 illuminates the corresponding fault indicator light, helping technicians quickly locate the component requiring replacement and simplifying the maintenance process. The logic controller 30 continuously monitors the status of the expanders and responds promptly to status changes (e.g., from absent to present), ensuring that newly installed expanders can quickly take over services and maintain stable storage system operation.

[0083] This application also provides another storage system, such as Figure 4 As shown, the storage system may also include a Baseboard Manager Controller (BMC) 40. The Baseboard Manager Controller 40 may be connected to each expander separately.

[0084] The extender can be used to record the location indication information of the faulty extender in the first reset command and the first moment of receiving the first reset command after receiving it. It can also record the signal status change information of the extender replacement phase corresponding to the faulty extender when it receives the signal status number information of the extender replacement phase sent by the logic controller 30, and record the second moment of receiving the signal status change information of the extender replacement phase. The location indication information of the faulty extender and the first moment constitute a fault information, and the signal status change information of the extender replacement phase and the second moment constitute an in-situ change information.

[0085] The baseboard management controller 40 can periodically extract fault information and location change information from each expander, generate fault log information based on the fault information and location change information, record the fault log information, and send it to the client so that the client can display the fault log information and notify technicians to view and analyze it. Alternatively, the baseboard management controller 40 can also determine the interval length based on a first time and a second time. When the determined interval length is longer than a preset interval length, it indicates that there is a delay in the storage system processing the expander fault, and a warning notification can be sent to the client so that technicians can view and repair it.

[0086] In the storage system of this application's embodiments, the baseboard management controller 40 periodically extracts fault information and on-premises change information from each extender and generates fault log information based on this information. This automated monitoring mechanism can significantly reduce the workload of manual inspection and improve system maintenance efficiency. When an interval exceeding a preset interval is detected, the baseboard management controller 40 sends a warning notification to the client, alerting technicians to potential latency issues. This approach can promptly identify potential risks and prevent small problems from escalating into major failures.

[0087] Embodiments of this application provide a hot maintenance method, which can be implemented by the cooperation of various components in the aforementioned storage system, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the specific steps of the thermal maintenance method may include:

[0088] Step S501, computer device 10 obtains the location indication information of the fault extender.

[0089] Among them, the fault extender is any one of multiple extenders.

[0090] In step S502, the computer device 10 determines the backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender from among multiple extenders based on the location indication information.

[0091] Step S503: When the computer device 10 obtains the signal status change information of the fault extender in the target stage, it generates a control command based on the signal status change information, the location indication information, and the pre-built control command template, and sends it to the backup extender.

[0092] The target phase is any one of the multiple phases for fault handling of the fault extender.

[0093] In step S504, the backup extender determines the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the backup extender, based on the location indication information.

[0094] In step S505, the standby extender performs management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage in order to handle the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender in the storage system.

[0095] The specific processing of steps S501 to S505 can be referred to the execution process in the above-described storage system structural embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In the hot maintenance method of this application, after obtaining the location indication information of the faulty extender, the computer device 10 can first determine the corresponding backup extender. Then, when signal state change information is obtained at any stage of fault handling of the faulty extender, a control command can be generated based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and a pre-built control command template, and sent to the backup extender. In this way, the backup extender can determine the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information based on the location indication information included in the control command, that is, determine the downlink port connected to the downlink device managed by the backup extender. During fault handling, the backup extender can perform management operations on the downlink port corresponding to the target stage to handle the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender without interrupting the relevant services corresponding to the backup extender, thus ensuring service continuity and realizing hot maintenance of the extender.

[0097] The following example will be used to explain in detail the execution process of the above-mentioned storage system and hot maintenance method.

[0098] The structure of a storage system can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the system includes a head unit (i.e., the aforementioned computer device 10), a host bus adapter (HBA), and a tail unit. The tail unit may include a complex programmable logic device (CPL), a first-level expander 1, a first-level expander 2, a second-level expander 3, a second-level expander 4, a second-level expander 5, a second-level expander 6, and multiple HDD disks. The CPL may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB). The head unit and the head unit can be connected to the host bus adapter respectively. The host bus adapter can be connected to first-level expander 1 and first-level expander 2 respectively. First-level expander 1 and first-level expander 2 are connected to the CPL via I2C lines and a reset (RST) line respectively. First-level expander 1 is connected to second-level expanders 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The downlink ports on first-level expander 1 connected to second-level expanders 5 and 6 are normally closed. Level 1 expander 2 is connected to Level 2 expanders 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The downlink ports on Level 1 expander 2 connected to Level 2 expanders 3 and 4 are normally closed. Level 2 expanders 3, 4, 5, and 6 can each be connected to an HDD drive. Figure 6 The "x4" indicates that each connection uses four SAS physical links, which can improve data transmission rate and performance.

[0099] In such Figure 6 In the storage system shown, the execution process of the hot maintenance method can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0100] Step 1: When the first-level extender 2 fails, the head unit server obtains the location indication information of the first-level extender 2.

[0101] Step 2: Based on the location indication information, the head unit server determines the first-level extender 1, which corresponds to the first-level extender 2, as the backup extender from among multiple extenders.

[0102] Step 3: The head unit server generates a first reset command based on the location indication information and the pre-built first reset command template, and sends it to the first-level extender 1.

[0103] The first reset command can be sent as an in-band notification, which refers to sending a notification through the same channel or path as the main data transmission.

[0104] Step 4: First-level expander 1 forwards the first reset command to the complex programmable logic device.

[0105] Step 5: After executing the reset command, the complex programmable logic device sends a reset notification to the first-level expander 2.

[0106] Step 6: First-level expander 2 performs a restart operation.

[0107] Step 7: When the first-level extender 1 receives the reset operation completion notification sent by the logic controller, it forwards the reset operation completion notification to the head unit server.

[0108] Step 8: The head server attempts to connect to Level 1 Extender 2.

[0109] Step 9: When the head unit server receives the connection success indication information, it resumes the service of the storage device connected to the first-level extender 2.

[0110] The successful connection indication message indicates that Level 1 Extender 2 has returned to normal operation after the restart operation.

[0111] Step 10: When the head unit server receives the connection failure indication information, the head unit server generates a second reset command based on the location indication information and the pre-built second reset command template, and sends it to the first-level extender 1.

[0112] Step 11: First-level expander 1 forwards the second reset command to the complex programmable logic device.

[0113] Step 12: The complex programmable logic device adjusts the state of the reset signal from the normal state to the abnormal state.

[0114] Step 13: The head unit server detects that the reset signal of the first-level extender 2 has changed from a normal state to an abnormal state. Based on the signal state change information, position indication information, and pre-built control command template during the extender reset phase, it generates a first control command and sends it to the first-level extender 1.

[0115] Step 14: The first-level extender 1 receives the first control command and, based on the location indication information included in the first control command, determines the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the first-level extender 1.

[0116] Step 15: Level 1 extender 1 opens the downlink port to take over the management of the downlink device corresponding to Level 1 extender 2.

[0117] Step 16: The technician removes the first-level extender 2 and reconnects a new extender to the corresponding position on its host bus adapter.

[0118] Step 17: When the complex programmable logic device detects that the state of the in-situ signal changes from the out-of-situ state to the in-situ state, it generates signal state change information for the expander replacement phase and sends it to the first-level expander 1.

[0119] Among them, the signal state change information during the expander replacement phase is used to indicate that a new expander has been added to the storage system as a replacement expander corresponding to the first-level expander 2.

[0120] Step 18: First-level extender 1 forwards the signal status change information of the extender replacement phase to the head unit server.

[0121] Step 19: When the head unit server obtains the signal status change information of the first-level extender 2 during the extender replacement phase, it generates a second control command based on the signal status change information of the extender replacement phase, the position indication information, and the pre-built control command template, and sends it to the first-level extender 1.

[0122] Step 20: Level 1 extender 1 shuts down its downlink port in order to return management rights of the downlink device corresponding to Level 1 extender 2 to the new extender.

[0123] Step 21: The head unit server generates a third reset command based on the location indication information and the pre-built third reset command template, and sends it to the first-level extender 1.

[0124] Step 22: First-level expander 1 forwards the third reset command to the complex programmable logic device.

[0125] Step 23: The complex programmable logic device restores the state of the reset signal from the abnormal state to the normal state and sends a restoration completion notification to the first-level expander 1.

[0126] Step 24: Level 1 Extender 1 forwards the recovery completion notification to the head server.

[0127] Step 25: The head server attempts to connect to the new extender.

[0128] Step 26: When the head unit server receives the connection success indication information, it resumes the service of the storage device connected to the new extender.

[0129] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0131] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of a storage system and a thermal maintenance method provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and its core ideas. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.< / offline> < / offline> < / level1expanderid> < / level1expandercontrol> < / online> < / online> < / level1expanderid> < / level1expandercontrol> < / level1expanderreset> < / off> < / on> < / off> < / on> < / on> < / securitycode> < / on> < / level1expanderid> < / level1expanderdownlinkset>

Claims

1. A storage system, characterized in that, The storage system includes a computer device and multiple extenders, wherein each of the multiple extenders corresponds to a downlink device that includes a storage device; The computer device is configured to acquire location indication information of a faulty extender, wherein the faulty extender is any one of a plurality of extenders; determine a backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender from among the plurality of extenders based on the location indication information; when signal state change information of the faulty extender is acquired at the target stage, generate a control command based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and a pre-built control command template, and send it to the backup extender, wherein the target stage is any one of a plurality of stages for fault handling of the faulty extender; The backup extender is configured to determine, based on the location indication information, a downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from among the ports included in the backup extender; and to perform a management operation corresponding to the target stage on the downlink port, so as to process the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender in the storage system through the management operation; The step of obtaining the location indication information of the fault extender includes: Obtain the identification information of the monitored storage devices; When it is determined, based on the identification information of the monitored storage devices and the pre-built full information table, that there are identification information of unmonitored storage devices, the identification information of the target expander corresponding to the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices is determined according to the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices and the correspondence between the identification information of the expanders and the identification information of the storage devices. The full information table includes the identification information of all storage devices identified by the computer device when any of the expanders is not malfunctioning. Based on the identification information of the target extender, the storage path of the target extender is obtained, wherein the location indication information includes the identification information and storage path of the target extender, and the target extender is the fault extender.

2. The storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downlink device corresponding to the fault extender is connected to the downlink port. When the fault extender is not faulty, the downlink port is in a closed state. When the target stage is the extender reset stage, the signal state change information is used to indicate that the reset signal changes from a normal state to an abnormal state. The backup expander is specifically used for: Open the downlink port to take over management of the downlink device corresponding to the fault extender.

3. The storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the target stage is the extender replacement stage, the signal state change information is used to indicate that the state of the in-situ signal changes from an out-of-situ state to an in-situ state. The extender replacement stage is the stage after the extender reset stage. The backup expander is specifically used for: The downlink port is shut down to return management control of the downlink device corresponding to the fault extender.

4. The storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage system further includes a logic controller, which is electrically connected to the fault extender and the backup extender, respectively. The computer device is further configured to generate a first reset command based on the location indication information and a pre-built first reset command template, and send it to the backup extender; The backup extender is also used to forward the first reset command to the logic controller; The logic controller is configured to send a reset notification to the fault extender after executing the first reset command, and to send a reset operation completion notification to the backup extender. The fault extender is also used to perform a restart operation; The backup extender is also used to forward the reset operation completion notification to the computer device; The computer device is further configured to restore the services of the storage device connected to the fault extender when a connection success indication is obtained after performing a connection operation on the fault extender, wherein the connection success indication is used to indicate that the fault extender has returned to normal working status after performing the restart operation.

5. The storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the signal state change information is the signal state change information during the extender reset phase, the computer device is further configured to generate a second reset command based on the location indication information and the pre-built second reset command template, and send it to the backup extender when a link failure indication information is obtained after performing a link operation on the faulty extender; The backup extender is also used to forward the second reset command to the logic controller; The logic controller is further configured to adjust the state of the reset signal from the normal state to the abnormal state; The computer equipment is specifically used for: When the state of the reset signal changes from the normal state to the abnormal state, the signal state change indication information of the extender reset phase is obtained.

6. The storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The logic controller is also used for: When the restart operation of the fault extender fails, or when the status of the reset signal is in the abnormal state, the fault indicator corresponding to the location indication information is lit according to the location indication information to indicate the replacement of the fault extender.

7. The storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the signal state change information is the signal state change information during the extender replacement phase, the logic controller is further configured to: When the status of the present signal changes from the absent state to the present state, signal status change information for the extender replacement phase is generated and sent to the backup extender. The signal status change information for the extender replacement phase is used to indicate that a new extender is added to the storage system as a replacement extender corresponding to the faulty extender. The computer equipment is specifically used for: Receive signal status change information during the extender replacement phase forwarded by the backup extender.

8. The storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The computer device is also configured to generate a third reset command based on the location indication information and the third reset command template, and send it to the backup extender; The backup extender is also used to forward the third reset command to the logic controller; The logic controller is also configured to restore the state of the reset signal from the abnormal state to the normal state, and send a recovery completion notification to the backup extender; The backup extender is also used to forward the recovery completion notification to the computer device; The computer equipment is also used to restore the services of the storage devices connected to the fault extender.

9. A thermal maintenance method, characterized in that, The thermal maintenance method is applied to a storage system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the storage system comprising a computer device and a plurality of expanders, wherein each of the plurality of expanders corresponds to a downlink device comprising a storage device, the method comprising: The computer device acquires the location indication information of the faulty extender, wherein the faulty extender is any one of a plurality of extenders; based on the location indication information, a backup extender corresponding to the faulty extender is determined from the plurality of extenders; when the signal state change information of the faulty extender is acquired in the target stage, a control command is generated based on the signal state change information, the location indication information, and a pre-built control command template, and sent to the backup extender, wherein the target stage is any one of a plurality of stages for fault handling of the faulty extender; The backup extender determines the downlink port corresponding to the location indication information from the ports included in the backup extender according to the location indication information; and performs a management operation corresponding to the target stage on the downlink port so as to process the management rights of the downlink device corresponding to the faulty extender in the storage system through the management operation; The step of obtaining the location indication information of the fault extender includes: Obtain the identification information of the monitored storage devices; When it is determined, based on the identification information of the monitored storage devices and the pre-built full information table, that there are identification information of unmonitored storage devices, the identification information of the target expander corresponding to the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices is determined according to the identification information of the unmonitored storage devices and the correspondence between the identification information of the expanders and the identification information of the storage devices. The full information table includes the identification information of all storage devices identified by the computer device when any of the expanders is not malfunctioning. Based on the identification information of the target extender, the storage path of the target extender is obtained, wherein the location indication information includes the identification information and storage path of the target extender, and the target extender is the fault extender.

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