Linux Magnetic-Disk Loading Order for Consistent Device Names
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of magnetic-disk out-of-order in Linux systems, where the sequence of magnetic-disk drive loading and scanning is not constant, leading to difficulties in distinguishing magnetic-disk devices, is not effectively addressed by existing solutions that only treat the problem after it occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to configure the loading sequence of magnetic-disk drives and managed disks during the installation of the operating system, using magnetic-disk-configuration information to set fixed sequences in installation configuration files, ensuring consistent drive letter allocation by controlling the loading sequence through parameters like modprobe.blacklist and scsi_mod.scan=sync, and managing the startup process with upstart or systemd managers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic-disk drives are loaded in parallel without fixed sequence in Linux system, then system flexibility and normal Linux operation are maintained, but magnetic-disk device names become unpredictable and cause out-of-order problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the loading sequence of magnetic-disk drives in advance during system installation through installation configuration files (kickstart files). The loading sequence is predetermined and fixed before the system actually loads the drives, ensuring that device names are assigned in a consistent, predictable order from the very beginning of system operation, thereby preventing out-of-order problems while maintaining Linux flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of drive loading from parallel/unordered to sequential/ordered by introducing configuration parameters in installation files that specify the exact loading sequence. By modifying the loading parameters (sequence control) during installation, the system transitions from the default parallel loading behavior to a controlled sequential loading process, ensuring consistent device naming
2Ease of operation
If magnetic-disk drive loading sequence is not controlled, then system operation is simple and follows Linux defaults, but drive letter allocation varies causing identification difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the loading sequence in installation configuration files before the system is actually used. This preliminary configuration step establishes a fixed loading order that persists throughout system operation, making device identification straightforward without requiring complex runtime detection or user intervention to determine drive sequences
3Reliability
If existing solutions exclude magnetic-disk drive modules from initramfs to delay loading, then out-of-order problem is temporarily treated, but the root cause cannot be solved and problem recurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the loading sequence in advance during system installation rather than attempting to treat the problem after it occurs. This approach addresses the root cause by establishing the correct loading order from the beginning, eliminating the need for complex runtime workarounds like excluding drive modules from initramfs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the loading sequence configuration from the complex runtime system behavior and places it into a separate, manageable installation configuration file. By separating the sequence definition from the actual loading process, the system achieves predictable device naming without requiring complex modifications to the core Linux initialization mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method for controlling magnetic-disk loading, an apparatus, a device and a readable storage medium. The method includes: obtaining magnetic-disk-configuration information of a server; when it is determined according to the magnetic-disk-configuration information that the server includes a plurality of magnetic-disk drives, configuring, in an installation configuration file of an operating system, a loading sequence of the magnetic-disk drives and a loading sequence of magnetic disks that are managed by each of the magnetic-disk drives; or when it is determined according to the magnetic-disk-configuration information that the server includes a single magnetic-disk drive, configuring, in the installation configuration file of the operating system, a loading sequence of magnetic disks that are managed by the magnetic-disk drive; and according to a configured installation configuration file of the operating system, installing the operating system into the server, to fix the configured loading sequence into the operating system.