End-to-End Beaconing for Fibre Channel SAN Cable Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining cable connectivity between devices in a storage area network (SAN) is challenging due to the complexity of interconnected devices, bundled cables, and the inability to disconnect cables without disrupting communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing end-to-end beaconing by using beacon commands to activate visual indicators, such as blinking LEDs, between Fibre Channel devices to indicate connectivity, allowing for remote determination of link or path connectivity without disrupting communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of cables is performed to determine connectivity, then the administrator can identify cable connections, but communication is disrupted and the process is extremely difficult in complex topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection of cables with an automated optical signaling system. Beacon commands are transmitted electronically through the Fibre Channel network, causing LEDs to illuminate at both ends of cable connections, thereby substituting physical cable tracing with electronic communication-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beacon commands as an intermediary mechanism to determine connectivity. Instead of directly inspecting physical cables, the system uses beacon commands that travel through the network infrastructure, with intermediate switches and devices relaying the beacon signals to indicate path connectivity.
2Measurement precision
If cables are disconnected to determine connectivity, then connection status can be confirmed, but communication is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary connectivity verification by transmitting beacon commands through the existing connected cables before any disconnection occurs. The beacon signals traverse the cable paths and trigger LED indicators, confirming connectivity status while the cables remain connected and communication continues uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of disconnecting cables with an electronic beaconing system that determines connectivity through signal transmission. The beacon commands and LED indicators provide non-intrusive connectivity verification, eliminating the need to physically disconnect cables.
3Loss of information
If visual inspection of bundled cables is performed, then cable identification may be achieved, but the process becomes impossible in complex configurations with many interconnected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses beacon commands as intermediaries to traverse through the complex network topology and switches. The beacon signals automatically navigate the network paths, and LED indicators at destination devices provide clear identification of cable connections, eliminating the need for visual inspection of bundled cables regardless of network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection mechanics with an automated electronic beaconing system. The beacon commands are transmitted through the Fibre Channel network infrastructure, automatically adapting to any topology complexity, and provide unambiguous connectivity information through LED indicators at both ends of each connection.
4Measurement precision
If administrators trace cables through false ceilings or floors, then connection paths can be identified, but the process is extremely difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical process of physically tracing cables through building structures with an electronic beaconing system. Beacon commands are transmitted through the network in seconds, automatically identifying cable paths and connection points without requiring physical traversal of ceilings or floors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary connectivity identification through beacon commands before any physical cable tracing is attempted. The electronic beaconing system quickly maps out connection paths, providing administrators with accurate cable routing information that eliminates or minimizes the need for time-consuming physical tracing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and non-disruptive determination of connectivity between devices in a SAN, simplifying the identification of connected ports and cable paths, even in complex topologies with many interconnected devices.
Implementation Method 1
activating an indicator (e.g., blinking light-emitting diode (LED) or lamp) at respective ports
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method includes generating a command configured to cause activation of local beaconing at a selected device, and transmitting the command to the selected device. An embodiment of a system includes a processor, a memory including instructions executable by the processor, wherein the instructions cause the processor to generate a command configured to cause a selected device to activate local beaconing, a port connected to the selected device, and a transmitter operable to transmit the command to the selected device via the port.