Ethernet Switch Storage Controller Interface Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage networks face limitations in scalability and reliability due to the small number of interfaces and cable length constraints in serial attached SCSI (SAS) switches, restricting the number of connected controllers and cabinets, and thus the total disk capacity that can be managed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Ethernet switch to enable communication between storage controllers and cabinets, allowing for the use of Ethernet packets to manage multiple storage apparatuses, with the storage controller searching and allocating identifiers for interface addresses and MAC addresses to facilitate data processing commands across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a SAS switch is used to connect storage controllers and cabinets, then storage controllers can communicate with cabinets, but the quantity of interfaces is limited (only 16 interfaces), restricting the number of connected controllers and cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Ethernet switch as an intermediary device between storage controllers and cabinets. The Ethernet switch provides a large number of interfaces (far more than 16) to connect storage controllers and cabinets, thereby resolving the interface quantity limitation of SAS switches while maintaining communication functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If a SAS switch is used with limited cable length, then connections can be established, but large-scale expansion cannot be performed, limiting total disk capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet switch acts as an intermediary that decouples the cable length limitation from the connection capability. Storage controllers and cabinets can be connected through the Ethernet switch with standard Ethernet cable lengths, enabling large-scale expansion and increased total disk capacity without being constrained by short SAS cable lengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SAS interfaces are used for storage connections, then storage communication is achieved, but scalability is restricted due to interface and cable limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication interface parameter from SAS to Ethernet. This parameter change enables scalability by providing more interfaces and longer cable lengths, while the Ethernet switch manages the complexity of connections, allowing the system to expand without proportional increases in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a data processing method, where, after being encapsulated according to an Ethernet protocol, a data processing command is sent to a cabinet by using an Ethernet switch, so that a storage controller in a storage engine can communicate with the cabinet by using the Ethernet switch, thereby effectively utilizing advantages such as ease of expansion and simple operation of the Ethernet switch.