Control Plane Communication via Data Fabric Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in improving load balancing and quality of service (QoS) for management activities, particularly when there are failures in control paths or high volumes of management activity, as they rely solely on the control fabric which is inadequate for these tasks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves modifying the control path to include a segment of the data fabric, allowing control communications to be configured according to the data fabric's protocol, and encapsulating control information from the control fabric's protocol within data fabric communications, thereby leveraging the data fabric's faster speeds and adding additional I/O processing nodes to the communication path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If control communications are exchanged solely over the control fabric, then the control path is simple and reliable, but the speed and quality of service for management activities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (protocol converter/encapsulation module) that translates control fabric protocol messages into data fabric protocol messages. This allows control communications to traverse the high-speed data fabric while maintaining compatibility with existing control nodes, thereby improving speed without requiring complete redesign of the control path architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The data fabric is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both data traffic and control communications. The system allows the data fabric to serve dual purposes: high-speed data transfer and accelerated control plane communications, thereby improving control communication speed without adding separate dedicated infrastructure
2Productivity
If the control fabric is used for all management activities, then the system is simple to operate, but load balancing and quality of service during high-volume management activity are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control communications into two paths: time-critical and high-priority management activities are routed over the high-speed data fabric, while routine low-priority control communications continue over the control fabric. This segmentation enables load balancing and improved throughput for critical operations without overwhelming the entire system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which fabric to use for control communications based on current load conditions, priority levels, and QoS requirements. The control node can adaptively route different types of management traffic differently, enabling flexible load balancing and quality of service management during high-volume activity
3Reliability
If a single control path is used, then the system is easy to implement, but reliability during path failures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the topological parameter of the control path by introducing an alternative route through the data fabric. When the primary control fabric path fails, the system can switch to using the data fabric as a backup path, thereby improving reliability without requiring completely redundant control infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A control node and/or a storage processing node maybe configured to modify a control path between a control node and storage processing node to include at least a portion of a data fabric and another processing node. Control communications may be sent over the data fabric by encapsulating control information that is configured in accordance with a first technology of the control fabric within communications configured in accordance with a second technology of the data fabric. Control switching logic may include logic to switch to a modified control path that includes at least a portion of a data fabric: in response to a failure of the control path; to load balance management activity; and/or improve QoS of management activity.