Local Storage Array Services for Darksite Cloud Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud storage array services are not effectively provided when a storage array is disconnected from a remote cloud-based storage array services provider, necessitating a solution for local service provision to maintain data integrity and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A storage array services module on the primary storage array initiates and provides cloud storage array services locally, generating and presenting metadata describing real-time storage array characteristics through a local area network, utilizing heartbeat signals to detect connection loss and redirecting communications to ensure continuous service availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud storage array services are provided remotely from a cloud-based provider, then service scalability and centralized management are improved, but service availability deteriorates when network connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cloud storage array services into separate deployable containers that can be distributed across multiple locations. Each container encapsulates specific storage array services that can independently execute on local storage arrays, allowing the system to maintain service availability locally while preserving the ability to scale and centrally manage services when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a services module that acts as an intermediary between storage arrays and cloud-based providers. This module can operate in multiple modes: connecting to remote cloud providers for centralized services, or executing locally on storage arrays when connectivity is lost, thereby bridging the gap between remote scalability and local reliability.
2Reliability
If storage arrays are disconnected from remote cloud providers, then data security and autonomy are improved, but service functionality deteriorates without external cloud services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables storage arrays to self-serve by executing cloud storage array services locally through containerized services modules. When disconnected from cloud providers, the storage arrays can independently provision and manage storage services without external assistance, maintaining both data security through disconnection and service functionality through local execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares storage arrays in advance by pre-configuring containerized services modules that can be activated when connectivity is lost. This preliminary preparation ensures that when disconnection occurs for security reasons, the storage arrays can immediately transition to autonomous operation without loss of functionality.
3Device complexity
If cloud storage array services are executed remotely, then system complexity is reduced at individual storage arrays, but service resiliency deteriorates when external connectivity is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system architecture dynamic by allowing storage arrays to flexibly switch between remote service execution mode and local service execution mode. The containerized services modules can be dynamically deployed and executed based on connectivity conditions, enabling the system to adapt its complexity distribution to maintain resiliency while keeping individual array complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Operational data is received from one or more storage systems by an internal server deployed within an environment lacking external connectivity. The operational data is processed by the internal server to determine a state of the one or more storage systems. Information identifying one or more maintenance actions applicable to the one or more storage systems is generated based on the determined state.