Dynamic Link Priority Setting for Storage Area Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In storage area networks (SAN), links with relatively high average latency cannot be effectively isolated, leading to deteriorated data transmission reliability and failure to meet user Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for setting link priority, where the server calculates the average latency of each link, determines latency intervals, and assigns priorities based on these intervals, allowing for the isolation of high-latency links and selection of lower-latency links for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all links have the same preset priority, then the system structure is simple, but high-latency links cannot be isolated leading to deteriorated data transmission reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of link priority from a uniform preset value to a dynamic value based on measured latency parameters. By monitoring latency and adjusting priority levels accordingly, the system can isolate high-latency links and improve data transmission reliability without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors link latency and automatically adjusts link priorities based on the measured performance. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliable data transmission without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If real-time latency monitoring is implemented for all links, then data transmission reliability improves, but system processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing latency measurement on links that are critical for data transmission or show signs of degradation. Rather than continuously monitoring all links with equal intensity, the system applies monitoring resources selectively to where they provide the most benefit, reducing overall processing overhead while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If latency-based priority classification is implemented, then QoS requirements are met, but the system requires more complex latency interval management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring latency intervals and their corresponding priority levels before the system operates. This allows the system to quickly classify links into appropriate priority categories without requiring complex real-time decision logic, thereby meeting QoS requirements while keeping the configuration management relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is applied to a server and for providing a link priority between the server and a storage device. The server calculates an average latency of each of a plurality of links between the server and the storage device; then determines a latency interval to which the average latency of each link belongs; and determines a priority of each link based on a priority of the latency interval to which the average latency of each link belongs. At least two consecutive latency intervals are preset in the server, each latency interval represents a range of an average latency, and a priority is set for each latency interval. For latency intervals of adjacent priorities, a minimum latency value of a latency interval of a lower priority is greater than a maximum latency value of a latency interval of a higher priority.