Data Transfer Protocol Selection for Host Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic applications in computer systems are unable to utilize high-speed data transfer protocols efficiently, as they are not specifically written to use these protocols, resulting in slower data transfer speeds despite the potential benefits of faster protocols like zHyperlink.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines whether data is a candidate for high-speed transfer using protocols like zHyperlink, attempting to transfer it using zHyperlink if suitable, and falling back to lower-speed protocols like zHPF if zHyperlink is unsuccessful, utilizing a drivers layer to manage connections such as PCIe or FICON.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high speed data transfer protocol is used, then data transfer speed is improved, but application compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer process is segmented into evaluation phase and execution phase. The system first evaluates whether data qualifies for high-speed transfer based on specific criteria, then separately executes the transfer using the appropriate protocol. This segmentation allows generic applications to benefit from high-speed transfer without requiring them to be specifically written for it.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary evaluation mechanism is introduced between the application layer and the data transfer layer. This intermediary automatically assesses data characteristics and determines protocol selection, acting as a mediator that enables generic applications to access high-speed transfer capabilities without direct integration or modification.
2Speed
If dedicated applications are written to use high speed protocol, then data transfer speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating and selecting the appropriate data transfer protocol without requiring external configuration or dedicated application development. The evaluation criteria and selection logic are embedded within the system itself, enabling it to autonomously optimize data transfer for both generic and dedicated applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation mechanism serves multiple functions: it assesses data characteristics, determines protocol suitability, and enables both generic and dedicated applications to access high-speed transfer capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate dedicated implementations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generic applications use low speed protocol, then compatibility is maintained, but data transfer speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of data characteristics before initiating transfer. By assessing data qualifications in advance against established criteria, the system can proactively select the optimal protocol, ensuring that generic applications receive high-speed transfer capability without requiring prior configuration or modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Using high speed data transfer protocol to transfer data between a host and a storage system includes determining if a portion of data is a candidate for being transferred using the high speed data transfer protocol if the portion is not a candidate for high speed data transfer, transferring the data using a relatively low speed data transfer protocol if the portion is a candidate for high speed data transfer, attempting to transfer the data using the high speed data transfer protocol, and if transferring the data using the high speed data transfer protocol is unsuccessful, transferring the data using the relatively low speed data transfer protocol. The high speed data transfer protocol may use a first connection and the relatively low speed data transfer protocol may use a second connection. The first connection may be a PCIe or InfiniBand connection. The second connection may be a FICON connection.