Automated Cable Routing Management in Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of storage systems with multiple backend loops and varied layouts makes manual identification and rectification of improper cable connections time-consuming and unreliable, leading to a higher likelihood of single failures that prevent access to storage system data.
Innovation Solution
Automated utilities that generate a topological map of storage systems, collect connection information, and apply rules to identify improper connections, recommending corrective actions to ensure symmetric and redundant connections, thereby reducing the risk of single failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual evaluation of cable configuration maps is used to identify improper connections, then the process can be performed without automated tools, but the identification becomes time-consuming and unreliable as system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of evaluating cable configuration maps with an automated electronic system. The host computer automatically collects topology information from storage enclosures, generates a digital topological map, and applies rules to identify improper connections, eliminating the need for technicians to manually trace and evaluate physical cable diagrams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis by automatically collecting topology information from its own components (storage enclosures and HBAs), generating the topological map, and identifying improper connections without external human intervention. The storage system essentially monitors and diagnoses itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of backend loops and cables is increased to accommodate growing storage demands, then system capacity and redundancy are improved, but the likelihood of improper cable connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects topology information from storage enclosures and HBAs, compares the actual connections against the generated topological map, and provides feedback by identifying improper connections. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to increased complexity while maintaining connection correctness through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital topological map as an intermediary representation between the physical cable connections and the logical system operation. This virtual model serves as a mediator that simplifies the verification process by providing a clear, structured representation of all connections that can be automatically analyzed against routing rules.
3Ease of repair
If technicians manually identify and rectify improper cable connections using configuration maps, then corrective actions can be taken, but the process is inexact and becomes increasingly difficult with system growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of tracing cables and evaluating configuration maps with an automated electronic system that collects topology data, generates a digital map, and applies rules to identify improper connections, making the repair process independent of system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (topological map) of the physical cable connections by collecting topology information from storage enclosures and HBAs. This virtual replica allows for automated analysis and identification of improper connections without requiring technicians to physically trace or manually interpret the actual cable routing.
Data Source
AI summary
Utilities (e.g., methods, systems, apparatuses, etc.) for use in automatically identifying improper physical connections in storage networks and recommending particular actions (e.g., changes to existing physical connections) that seek to ensure symmetric and redundant connections from a data host through all associated storage enclosures and reduce the likelihood that single failures prevent access to storage system data.