DLEIDs for NVMe Discovery Log Entry Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NVMe-oF environments, existing systems lack unique identifiers for discovery log page entries, leading to limitations such as oversized entry keys, restricted retrieval of specific interface logs, and inefficient zoning operations due to the inability to reference entries using Fully Qualified Names.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Discovery Log Entry Identifiers (DLEIDs) allows for unique identification of entries, enabling efficient get log page requests and zoning operations by assigning a 32-bit identifier to each entry, facilitating differential asynchronous event notifications and reducing data flow and processing burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If entry keys are used to identify discovery log page entries, then entries can be identified by multiple fields (NQN, Transport Address, Port, etc.), but the entry key size becomes excessively large (804 bytes) and cannot fit within standard buffer limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the entry identification into two parts: a compact 32-bit DLEID that fits within buffer limitations, and the full entry key that maintains comprehensive identification capability. The DLEID serves as a short reference that can be transmitted efficiently, while the full entry key structure is preserved for complete identification when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The DLEID acts as an intermediary between the need for compact identification in command buffers and the requirement for comprehensive identification using full entry keys. Instead of transmitting the entire 804-byte entry key, the system uses the 32-bit DLEID as a mediator that references the full entry key stored in the discovery log page.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discovery log page entries are registered via a single connection, then the system can handle multiple interfaces, but the ability to retrieve specific interface logs is lost due to buffer size limitations and lack of unique identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns a unique 32-bit DLEID to each discovery log page entry, segmenting the identification space into individual manageable units. This allows the system to handle multiple interfaces while maintaining the ability to reference and retrieve specific entries through their unique DLEIDs, overcoming the limitation of bulk retrieval only.
Solution Approach 2:
Each discovery log page entry is given a distinct local identifier (DLEID) that enables specific operations on individual entries. This local identification quality allows selective retrieval, modification, and management of specific interface logs while maintaining the overall multi-interface capability.
3Ease of operation
If Fully Qualified Names (NQN+Transport Address) are used to reference discovery log page entries for zoning operations, then specific entries can be referenced, but the complexity of zone member definitions increases and the approach is limited by entry key specification constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identification function from the lengthy Fully Qualified Name and implements it through a compact 32-bit DLEID. This extracted identifier captures the unique reference capability needed for zoning operations without the complexity and size limitations of the full NQN+Transport Address combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from a variable-length entry key or FQN combination to a fixed 32-bit DLEID. This parameter change simplifies zone member definitions by providing a consistent, compact identifier that can be easily incorporated into zoning configurations without the constraints of existing entry key specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods utilize discovery log entry identifiers (DLEIDs) to identify individual discovery log page entries (DLPEs) in a discovery log page, for example, to allow a name server to manipulate DLPEs and perform specific operations, including zoning operations. Thus, DLEIDs advantageously reduce data flow and repetitive full discovery log page requests and responses and associated processing times; especially, in scenarios where changes to data are minimal. Further, a DLEID-based get log page command may be used to perform push and pull registrations, e.g., to query a specific set of end devices. Advantageously, this reduces message size or sizes and, thus, the number of messages that need to be exchanged, e.g., during an addition or deletion of end devices, especially in larger environments.