Storage System LU Setting Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of setting Logical Units (LUs) in storage systems is burdensome for operators, especially when combining multiple LUs, as it requires extensive input of information for LU creation, expansion, and reduction processes.
Innovation Solution
A system where an operator inputs only the minimum required information for LU setting, with the storage system using configuration management information to automate the process, including searching for and managing free areas and capacities across physical storage devices, reducing the operator's workload by streamlining the LU creation, expansion, and reduction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually creates LUs by referring to free space information and specifying desired space portions, then the LU setting process can be completed, but the operator's workload and complexity of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system automatically manages LU settings by executing internal processes using configuration management information. The system searches for free areas, determines appropriate space portions, and creates LUs without requiring operator intervention in these automated processes, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for free areas and preparing configuration management information before the operator issues a LU setting command. This pre-processing eliminates the need for operators to manually refer to free space information and specify space portions, significantly reducing their workload
2Productivity
If the operator inputs information about multiple LUs during the LU creation process, then the LU setting can be completed, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system automatically executes internal processes to manage LU settings, including searching for free areas and determining space portions. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual input process while maintaining complete functionality, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing operational accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of operator input and consultation of free space information is replaced by automated internal processes using configuration management information. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for LU setting operations while maintaining system functionality
Data Source
AI summary
In a storage system, an operator makes an input only of minimum-required information, and when an LU setting command including the information is accepted, in response to the LU setting command, any internal process is executed using configuration management information about an LU and a plurality of physical storage devices. After completion of the internal process, the processing result is forwarded back. Herein, the configuration management information is about the LU and the physical storage devices, including information about a free area and a free capacity in a storage space of each of the physical storage devices, and information about the LU based on the storage spaces. The free area is an address area occupied by the free space not used as the LU. The free capacity is the capacity of the free space. Accordingly, an LU setting technology with a reduced level of the operator's load of work can be favorably provided.