Dynamic Host-Storage Configuration Exchange via Data Management Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to dynamically communicate runtime host names and device special file names between hosts and storage devices in storage environments, as existing solutions do not provide a way to correlate storage devices with device special file names configured on a host, leading to issues like Reservation Conflict and Medium Removal Prevented errors.
Innovation Solution
A configuration information exchange system where hosts and storage devices use a data management layer within a communication model to manage and communicate configuration information, including host names and device special file names, through data communication layers, facilitating dynamic information exchange and retrieval during I/O operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users reset the storage device to resolve errors, then the error is resolved, but the operational efficiency decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the storage device provides configuration information (host names, device special file names, I/O operation details) back to the host when errors occur. This feedback loop enables the host to understand the current state and resolve errors without resetting the device, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring reliable error resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information exchange mechanism between the host and storage device. Configuration information is exchanged through a structured communication protocol that acts as a mediator, allowing both parties to understand each other's state without requiring a reset operation. This intermediary layer enables efficient error resolution while preserving productivity.
2Device complexity
If configuration information is not exchanged between host and storage device, then the system remains simple, but the ability to correlate storage devices with device special file names is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by exchanging configuration information during the initialization or configuration phase before errors occur. The host and storage device establish and communicate their configuration details (host names, device special file names, mapping relationships) in advance. This preliminary information exchange enables later correlation and error resolution without adding complexity to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information exchange mechanism serves multiple functions: it establishes host-storage device mapping, provides error diagnosis data, enables operational efficiency, and maintains system simplicity. By making the information exchange mechanism universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding complexity while preventing information loss.
3Productivity
If dynamic configuration information exchange is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the communication model and data management layer complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host and storage device perform self-service by automatically exchanging and managing their own configuration information through the communication model. Each device independently manages its configuration data and communicates relevant information to the other without external intervention. This self-service approach improves operational efficiency while keeping the communication model manageable through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model.