Cluster Disk Identifier Uniqueness via Partition Format Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clustering systems face challenges in adding a disk to a cluster as a shared resource when the disk has the same disk identifier as an existing shared disk, leading to accessibility issues and conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the partition format of the disk, retrieves a unique identifier, and writes it to the disk, allowing it to be connected as a shared resource without conflicts, regardless of whether it's a snapshot, mirror, or backup disk, using protocols specific to MBR or GPT formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a disk with the same disk identifier as an existing shared disk is added to the cluster, then the disk can be accessed by cluster nodes, but the clustering software cannot differentiate between the two disks, rendering the new disk inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting duplicate disk identifiers before the disk is fully added to the cluster. It retrieves unique identifiers from the operating system and writes them to the disk's partition table (MBR or GPT) in advance, preventing the differentiation conflict before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the disk identifier parameter of the incoming disk by writing a unique identifier retrieved from the operating system to the disk's partition structure. This parameter modification ensures the disk has a distinct identity from existing shared disks while maintaining compatibility with cluster software.
2Reliability
If the clustering software requires unique disk identifiers to differentiate disks, then disk accessibility is maintained, but disks with same identifiers (such as snapshots or backups) cannot be added to the cluster
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by modifying only the specific partition table structure (MBR or GPT) of the incoming disk to contain a unique identifier. This localized modification preserves the original disk format and data while adding the necessary differentiation capability at the partition level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the partition format (MBR or GPT) and performs preliminary writing of the unique identifier to the appropriate location in the partition structure before the disk is added to the cluster, ensuring compatibility with the required differentiation mechanism.
3Reliability
If the system writes a unique identifier to the disk partition, then disk uniqueness is ensured, but the process becomes more complex for different partition formats
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by creating a unified interface that handles multiple partition formats (MBR and GPT) through a single standardized process. The clustering software can request a unique identifier regardless of the underlying partition format, and the system adapts internally to write the identifier appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the operating system as an intermediary to retrieve unique identifiers. Rather than implementing its own identifier generation and writing logic for each partition format, the system leverages the OS's existing capabilities to obtain and write unique identifiers, simplifying the overall process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for adding a disk to a cluster as a shared resource. In one embodiment, a request is received to add a disk to a cluster as a shared disk resource. The disk may share a disk identifier with a second disk currently connected to the cluster as a shared resource. A determination is made as to which partition format is used by the disk. A unique disk identifier is retrieved and written to the disk in accordance with the determined partition format. The disk is then connected to the node as a shared disk resource. The disk may be a snapshot, mirror, or backup of the second disk currently connected to the cluster.