Automated I/O Path Discovery for Storage Performance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current performance data collection techniques for I/O data paths in storage area networks are complex and prone to user error, especially when changes occur, and do not efficiently handle virtual hosts and dynamically changing I/O data paths.
Innovation Solution
A method involving scheduled discovery scans to automatically detect changes in I/O data paths, allowing for the collection of path performance data with a single user action through a user interface, which includes grouping elements and initiating data collection for storage devices and SAN elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration techniques are used for performance data collection, then users can collect performance data for I/O data paths, but the process becomes complex and prone to user error when changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers I/O data paths and detects changes without requiring user intervention. The automated discovery process scans the storage network, identifies hosts, storage devices, and I/O paths, and updates performance data collection configurations automatically when changes are detected, eliminating manual configuration and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors I/O data paths and compares current configurations against previous states. When changes are detected through automated discovery scans, the system provides feedback by automatically updating performance data collection jobs to reflect the new configuration, ensuring ongoing accuracy without user input
2Productivity
If manual updates are performed when I/O data paths change, then performance data collection can be updated, but the process requires continuous user intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated discovery scans at scheduled intervals to proactively identify I/O data paths and potential changes before they impact performance monitoring. By detecting changes automatically and updating configurations in advance, the system eliminates the need for reactive manual updates and reduces the time required for configuration maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The automated discovery and change detection mechanism continuously monitors the storage network infrastructure and automatically updates performance data collection configurations when changes are detected, completely eliminating the need for continuous user intervention and significantly reducing the time required for updates
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated discovery scans are implemented, then change detection is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated discovery scan mechanism serves multiple functions: it identifies hosts, storage devices, I/O data paths, and detects changes all through a single unified process. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one automated mechanism, improving adaptability while managing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery scan system automatically executes without user intervention, self-manages the complexity of monitoring multiple I/O data paths, and autonomously detects changes. By making the system self-sufficient in handling the complexity of change detection, the automated approach provides superior adaptability compared to manual methods
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlled-tuning path performance data collection through a single application control. In an embodiment, performance data collection may be turned on or off from an application host running a path performance data application via a user interface. The tool may automatically update performance data collection characteristics as the application host I/O data path changes according to user controlled settings but without requiring further user intervention during the updating. In various embodiments, the tool may update continuously and/or at specified intervals. Turning on path performance data collection on the application host via the user interface may automatically set up synchronized performance data collection for all managed objects within I/O data path(s) of the managed objects.