Data Management Module for Dual Path HA Storage Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center management software only supports basic single path non-HA storage pool composition, which is insufficient for meeting the high availability needs of corporations and end users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data management software or module that automatically composes resources with redundant fabric switches to support dual path HA storage access operations by associating drives with multiple fabric switches and computer systems, ensuring active-passive redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data center management software uses basic single path non-HA storage pool composition, then the system structure is simple, but the availability and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage access path into multiple independent fabric switches (first fabric switch and second fabric switch), each handling specific storage pools. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple access paths without creating a monolithic complex structure, resolving the contradiction by organizing redundancy into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of redundancy by adding fabric switch-level duplication rather than just storage pool duplication. This creates a dual-path architecture where storage pools can be accessed through either the first or second fabric switch, adding availability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the system implements dual path HA storage access with multiple fabric switches, then the availability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource composition mechanism that can automatically allocate storage pools across multiple fabric switches based on workload demands. This multi-functional composition mechanism handles both single-path and dual-path scenarios, providing service continuity while managing complexity through a unified approach rather than separate mechanisms for each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The data center management software automatically composes and de-composes storage pools across fabric switches without manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures service continuity by dynamically adjusting resource allocation in response to fabric switch status, improving reliability while keeping the complexity hidden from users through automated management.
3Reliability
If storage pools are associated with multiple fabric switches for HA, then the redundancy improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The management software automatically performs the composition and de-composition of storage pools across multiple fabric switches based on predefined policies and real-time system state. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual configuration of redundant paths, maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation through automated resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fabric switch status and storage pool accessibility, using this feedback to automatically adjust resource allocation. When a fabric switch fails or becomes unavailable, the system detects this through feedback mechanisms and automatically redirects access through alternative paths, maintaining redundancy benefits without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and method for automatically composing resources with redundant fabric switches to support dual path HA storage access operation in a data center are provided. A data management module can be used to determine one or more drives in the data center that are connected to fabric switches. The fabric switches have a same chassis ID. The data management module can then associate the one or more drives to a first computer system via one fabric switch of the fabric switches, and associate the one or more to a second computer system via the other one fabric switch of the two fabric switches. In response to receiving a request from a specific user, the data management module can compose suitable resources of the data center to match the request based at least upon the one or more drives, the two switches, the first computer system, and the second computer system.