Fabric Name Server Updates for Virtual Storage Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for partitioning storage arrays into virtual arrays are complex and expensive, operating only at the storage array level, and lack a simple, inexpensive means to present virtual arrays to host systems and migrate data between them.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating a system where logical units of storage are grouped into virtual arrays with unique virtual port addresses, allowing data to be copied and port names/LUN names/numbers exchanged between source and destination arrays, enabling transparent migration while centralizing array partitioning through the fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data migration is performed by physically moving storage arrays or reconfiguring at the array level, then data can be migrated between virtual arrays, but the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric name server acts as an intermediary between hosts and storage arrays. By updating the name server database with new path information (destination virtual port addresses mapping to source LUNs), the patent enables data migration without requiring complex array-level reconfiguration. The fabric layer mediates the transition, allowing hosts to access migrated data through updated logical paths rather than physical moves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies data from source LUNs to destination LUNs while maintaining the original logical unit identifiers. Instead of physically moving data and reconfiguring access paths at the array level, the system creates copies at the destination and updates fabric naming to point hosts to the new locations. This copying approach simplifies migration by decoupling data movement from access path reconfiguration
2Reliability
If virtual arrays are presented to hosts through complex array-level partitioning, then exclusive access and security can be ensured, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves virtual array partitioning from the storage array dimension to the fabric dimension. By implementing virtualization at the fabric layer through virtual port addresses and name server database entries, the system achieves array-level partitioning functionality without requiring complex array-level software. This dimensional shift allows multiple virtual arrays to be presented through a single physical array, reducing complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric switch and name server database serve multiple functions: they provide virtual array partitioning, manage exclusive host access, enable data migration, and maintain security policies. By consolidating these functions at the fabric layer rather than requiring dedicated array-level software, the system achieves universal functionality that reduces overall complexity and cost while maintaining reliable exclusive access control
Data Source
AI summary
Data is transparently migrated between groups of logical units of storage presented as virtual arrays. A source virtual array has at least one source virtual port coupled to a fabric. Each source virtual port having a source virtual port name and a source virtual port address. A destination virtual array has one or more destination virtual ports coupled to the fabric, each destination virtual port having a destination virtual port name and a destination virtual port address. All data resident on the source virtual array is copied to the destination virtual array. The destination virtual port names and LUN names and numbers are then replaced with the source virtual port names and LUN names and numbers. The fabric then updates its name server database so that the database associates the source virtual port name with the destination virtual port address.