Integrated Server and Storage Controller Chassis for Network Appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network storage systems face challenges in reliability, manageability, and cost due to the need for multiple discrete enclosures for servers and storage controllers, which also lead to inefficient use of space and increased complexity in cabling and power management.

Innovation Solution

A network storage appliance is introduced, integrating servers and storage controllers into a single chassis with hot-replaceable blades, allowing for redundant active-active failover and shared power and cooling systems, reducing the number of enclosures needed and eliminating external cabling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If servers and storage controllers are housed in separate enclosures, then each component can be independently managed and maintained, but the overall system complexity increases, space requirements multiply, and cabling becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent management and maintenance of componentsVSAvoidSystem complexity including multiple enclosures, cabling, and power management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines servers and storage controllers into a single integrated enclosure, eliminating the need for separate enclosures and reducing overall system complexity. The integrated design consolidates multiple components into one unified system that occupies less space and requires simpler cabling and power management while maintaining the functional independence of individual components through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete enclosures are used for servers and storage controllers, then component independence is maintained, but space requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComponent independenceVSAvoidTotal space occupied by enclosures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete enclosures into a single integrated unit that houses both servers and storage controllers. This consolidation significantly reduces the total floor space required while maintaining component independence through modular blade designs that can be independently configured, managed, and replaced within the unified enclosure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously - housing servers, storage controllers, power supplies, and cooling systems in a single multi-functional unit. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated enclosures for each component type, optimizing space utilization while preserving the versatility and adaptability of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external cabling is used to connect servers and storage controllers, then flexibility in component placement is achieved, but cabling complexity and potential points of failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComponent placement flexibilityVSAvoidSystem reliability reduced by external cabling connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates external cabling by integrating server and storage controller components within the same enclosure, allowing direct internal connections through the chassis backplane. This removes numerous external cable connections and associated failure points while maintaining component independence through modular blade designs that can be independently installed, removed, and replaced without affecting other components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7661014B2Network storage appliance with integrated server and redundant storage controllers

Publication Date: 2010.02.09 SEAGATE CLOUD SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A network storage appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a chassis enclosing a backplane, and a server enclosed in the chassis and coupled to the backplane. The appliance also includes storage controllers enclosed in the chassis, each coupled to the backplane, which control transfer of data between the server and storage devices coupled to the storage controllers. The storage controllers also control transfer of data between the storage devices and computers networked to the appliance and external to the appliance. The storage controllers and the server comprise a plurality of hot-replaceable blades. Any one of the plurality of blades may be replaced during operation of the appliance without loss of access to the storage devices by the computers. In one embodiment, the server executes storage application software, such as backup software for backing up data on the storage devices, such as to a tape device networked to the server.