Disk Array Controller Firmware Update Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk array apparatuses face high costs and hardware space requirements due to the need for redundant firmware storage, as they require two mediums for operational and corrective firmware, leading to increased infrastructure replacement costs when firmware updates fail.
Innovation Solution
A disk array apparatus with a redundant controller configuration, where both controllers have storage areas for firmware, allowing the first controller to confirm and acquire successful update data from the second controller in case of update failure, thereby eliminating the need for redundant firmware storage and enabling automatic recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant firmware storage is implemented using two separate mediums, then firmware update reliability is improved, but hardware cost and mounting space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firmware storage function into the controller's internal memory, eliminating the need for separate redundant firmware storage mediums. The controller itself serves as both the execution unit and the storage unit, consolidating what were previously separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it executes firmware, stores firmware in its memory, and participates in mutual recovery with its standby counterpart. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated redundant storage mediums.
2Reliability
If firmware update fails in conventional systems, then controller infrastructure must be replaced, but this increases maintenance cost and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The standby controller continuously holds ready-to-execute firmware in its memory before any update failure occurs. This preliminary preparation allows immediate recovery without waiting for external firmware sources or performing complex restoration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers perform mutual recovery autonomously. When one controller experiences firmware update failure, the other controller automatically provides its firmware through inter-controller communication, enabling self-healing without external intervention.
3Reliability
If two separate firmware storage mediums are used, then firmware redundancy is achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the controller unit. Each controller's internal memory serves as its firmware storage, eliminating the need for separate storage mediums and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining separate physical storage mediums, the system uses software-based firmware copying between controllers through communication interfaces. The firmware is replicated in the memory of the standby controller, achieving redundancy through data copying rather than physical duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention proposes a disk array apparatus capable of improving its reliability. This disk array apparatus includes a first controller, and a second controller configured redundantly with the first controller, wherein the first controller and the second controller respectively include a storage area for storing firmware and are both in an operating state. When update processing of an update portion as a portion to be updated in the firmware of the first controller is unsuccessful, the first controller confirms whether update processing of an update portion of the firmware of the second controller is also unsuccessful, and, in a case where the update processing of the update portion of the firmware of the second controller has ended normally, rewrites firmware data of the update portion of the first controller with the firmware data of the update portion of the second controller.