Logical Server Abstraction for Storage Allocation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In data centers and large-scale computing systems, the process of allocating storage to new physical or virtual-machine servers is time-consuming, especially when IP networks and storage-array networks are managed by different groups, leading to delays in server deployment.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves pre-allocating storage to world-wide names (WWNs) for servers, using a logical server abstraction layer to manage network identities and resource requirements, and enabling technologies like host bus adapters with programmable proxy WWNs or virtual-connection systems to allow physical servers to adopt pre-allocated WWNs, thereby streamlining the storage allocation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If storage is allocated manually by SAN administrators after server deployment, then storage can be assigned to servers, but server deployment is delayed and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver deployment speedVSAvoidstorage allocation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-allocating storage resources to logical servers before they are physically deployed. The system creates storage allocations in advance based on server requirements, so when servers are actually deployed, the storage is already ready and assigned, eliminating delays caused by manual post-deployment storage allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a logical server abstraction layer as an intermediary between physical servers and storage resources. This logical layer manages the mapping between server identities (WWNs) and storage allocations, allowing the storage system to operate independently of physical server deployment timing. The logical server manager coordinates between IP network administrators and SAN administrators, eliminating the need for manual coordination delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If IP network and SAN are managed by different groups, then specialized management is possible, but coordination complexity increases and deployment is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized management capabilityVSAvoidcoordination between management groups

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the server management function into separate logical components: IP network management, storage management, and logical server management. Each group can manage their respective domains independently with specialized expertise, while the logical server layer provides a unified interface that coordinates between them. This segmentation allows specialized management without increasing coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The logical server abstraction layer provides universal functionality that works across different physical server types and storage configurations. It presents a consistent interface for both IP network administrators and SAN administrators, enabling them to work with the same logical entities regardless of underlying physical implementations. This universality simplifies coordination while preserving specialized management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9547455B1Allocating mass storage to a logical server

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Mass storage is allocated to a logical server. The logical server is deployed to a real server.