Automatic Storage Device Assignment During System Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In storage networks, data storage devices are not automatically assigned to storage node computing devices during initialization, leading to manual, time-consuming, and error-prone processes, especially due to the lack of conflict resolution mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an automatic method for assigning data storage devices during storage node computing device initialization, where a coordinator data storage device is reserved, and ownership of data storage devices is determined and managed by the storage node computing devices using preconfigured assignment logic, facilitating conflict-free and optimized device allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data storage devices are manually assigned during initialization, then assignment can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitialization speedVSAvoidmanual intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage node computing devices automatically perform device discovery, coordinator selection, and data storage device assignment without requiring manual administrator intervention. The system serves itself by executing preconfigured assignment logic and resolving conflicts autonomously during initialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Conflict resolution logic and device assignment algorithms are preconfigured in the storage node computing devices before initialization begins. The coordinator data storage device is selected and reserved in advance, and assignment patterns are predetermined, enabling rapid automated assignment without real-time manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If automatic assignment is implemented without conflict resolution, then automation is achieved, but conflicts arise when devices initialize simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic assignment capabilityVSAvoidconflict resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A coordinator data storage device is selected and reserved to act as an intermediary that manages the assignment process. The coordinator receives and processes discovery messages from storage node computing devices, coordinates the assignment of data storage devices, and resolves conflicts by determining which nodes receive which devices based on preconfigured logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively prevents conflicts by having storage node computing devices send discovery messages to the coordinator before attempting to access data storage devices. The coordinator reserves assignments in advance, preventing simultaneous access conflicts and ensuring reliable automated assignment even when multiple nodes initialize simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If manual assignment is used, then conflicts can be resolved, but resource usage and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconflict resolutionVSAvoidassignment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of administrator intervention is replaced with an automated electronic messaging and coordination system. Storage node computing devices communicate discovery messages to the coordinator via data structures and protocols, which automatically processes assignments and resolves conflicts through preconfigured logic, eliminating the need for manual administrative actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If automatic assignment is implemented, then manual errors are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment accuracyVSAvoidcoordination mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assignment system is segmented into distinct functional components: storage node computing devices that discover and request devices, a coordinator data storage device that manages assignments, and preconfigured assignment logic that determines allocation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently and reliably, reducing overall system complexity despite the automated coordination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9880774B2Methods for automatic data storage device assignment during system initialization and devices thereof

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 NETAPP INC

AI summary

A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and storage node computing device that reserves one of a plurality of data storage devices that is designated as a coordinator data storage device. A section of the storage cluster that is unowned is identified. Ownership of a subset of the data storage devices that is in the section of the storage cluster is obtained. A determination is made when the subset of the data storage devices includes the coordinator data storage device. The reservation of the coordinator data storage device is released, when the determining indicates that the subset of the data storage devices does not include the coordinator data storage device.