IP Storage Connectivity Checking via Inverted ICMP Ping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In IP storage systems, checking connectivity of data communication paths is cumbersome due to the need for repeated configuration and access from the initiator computer side to diagnose malfunctions, errors, or restrictions on the IP network.

Innovation Solution

A connectivity checking method and system where the target computer transmits an ICMP echo request to the initiator computer via a prescribed connecting port, determining connectivity based on the reachability of the echo reply, allowing for easier path checking without requiring access from the initiator side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectivity checking is performed from the initiator computer side by accessing the target computer, then connectivity status can be determined, but the process becomes cumbersome requiring repeated configuration and access attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity checking accuracyVSAvoidconnectivity checking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional connectivity checking approach by having the target computer (storage system) initiate the connectivity check to the initiator computer, rather than the initiator accessing the target. This is achieved through the connectivity checking unit in the storage system that actively pings the initiator computer, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining checking accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system performs self-service by autonomously checking connectivity to the initiator computer through its connectivity checking unit. The system independently determines connectivity status without requiring manual access attempts from the initiator side, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable connectivity verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the prescribed connecting port is pre-configured on the target computer side for data communication path, then data transmission can be established, but troubleshooting requires repeated configuration and checking from the initiator side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication path stabilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system performs preliminary connectivity checking through the connectivity checking unit before data transmission issues manifest. By proactively pinging the initiator computer and identifying connectivity problems early, the system prevents troubleshooting delays while maintaining stable data communication paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the connectivity checking unit continuously monitors the data communication path status. When connectivity issues are detected, the system can notify administrators or automatically attempt reconnection, reducing troubleshooting time while ensuring reliable data transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7724677B2Storage system and method for connectivity checking

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

The invention is intended to provide a connectivity checking technology to make it easier to check the connectivity of data communication paths in an IP storage system. The target computer 20 of the storage system 10 transmits an ICMP echo request to an initiator computer 70 through a prescribed IP port 110 in the storage system 10, and determines whether or not the connectivity is normal between the target computer 20 and initiator computer 70 through the prescribed IP port 110 based on a reachable status of the ICMP echo reply from the initiator computer 70.