I/O Switch Dedicated Adaptor for Backup Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup methods in datacenter networks lead to bandwidth suppression on management networks, causing congestion due to the sharing of resources and data transfer during backups, which affects business tasks on other servers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an I/O switch with a dedicated adaptor and line for backup data transfer, allowing the management computer to select and use a dedicated path for backup operations without impacting other servers, thereby isolating the backup process from the main management network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If backup data transfer is performed using the management network, then the backup operation can be carried out, but the bandwidth of the management network is suppressed causing congestion and affecting business tasks on other servers
Solution Approach 1:
The network infrastructure is segmented into two separate networks: a management network for managing server information and a storage network for backup data transfer. This segmentation isolates the backup traffic from management traffic, preventing bandwidth suppression on the management network while maintaining backup operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An I/O switch is introduced as an intermediary device that couples both the management network and storage network to the server. This intermediary enables the server to access both networks simultaneously, allowing backup operations to use the storage network while management operations continue on the management network without interference.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a dedicated line for backup is established, then bandwidth suppression on the management network is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional network components
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O switch is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a management network interface and a storage network interface. This universal device consolidates multiple network functions into a single component, reducing the overall number of network devices needed and simplifying the network configuration despite providing dedicated backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The management network interface and storage network interface are merged into a single I/O switch device. This consolidation combines the functions of what would otherwise be separate network interfaces, reducing device complexity while maintaining the dedicated backup path that prevents management network congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided with: computers provided with a processor, a memory, and an I/O interface; an I/O switch for connecting a plurality of the computers with an I/O adapter; a management computer for managing the I/O switch and the computers; and a first network for connecting the computers with the management computer. The I/O switch has a dedicated adaptor connected to the management computer. The management computer selects from the plurality of computers a computer for performing data transfer, commands the I/O switch to connect the I/O interface of the selected computer and the dedicated adaptor, transfers data between the selected computer, senses that data transfer with the selected computer has been completed, and commands the I/O switch to disconnect the dedicated adaptor from the I/O interface of the selected computer after completion of the data transfer with the selected computer has been sensed.