Master Host Node LUN Naming for Cluster Storage Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage management systems face challenges in maintaining consistent naming of logical unit number (LUN) storage components across multiple host nodes, leading to difficulties in tracking and management, especially when nodes share the same storage resources but refer to the same LUN by different names.
Innovation Solution
A storage management method where a master host node assigns consistent names to LUNs communicatively coupled to both master and slave host nodes, using a cluster consistent enclosure basis, and stores this information in a computer-readable medium, ensuring all host nodes refer to LUNs by the same name.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional naming schemes are used where each host node independently names LUNs, then each host can access its storage resources, but the same LUN receives different names on different hosts making tracking and management difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (storage manager or cluster manager) that mediates the naming process between host nodes and LUNs. This intermediary collects LUN information from the storage array, generates consistent names using enclosure-based identifiers, and distributes these names to all host nodes, thereby resolving the naming inconsistency problem without requiring complex manual management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating consistent LUN names using enclosure-based identifiers before the LUNs are accessed by host nodes. The storage manager collects enclosure information and assigns names in advance, so that when host nodes access the LUNs, they already have the correct consistent names, eliminating the need for post-configuration name mapping
2Reliability
If AVID-based naming is implemented, then some consistency can be achieved, but it requires additional array support and assumes all hosts see the same enclosures which is not always true
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by extracting enclosure identifier information from the storage array and using this copied data to generate consistent names across all hosts. Instead of relying on the array to provide AVID directly to each host, the storage manager copies the enclosure information and uses it to create consistent names that work across different host configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the naming parameter from AVID (which requires array support and consistent enclosure visibility) to enclosure-based identifiers that can be reliably copied and used across all hosts. This parameter change makes the naming system more adaptable to different host configurations while maintaining consistency
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional per-host naming is used, then each host has simple local naming, but tracking and managing LUNs across the cluster becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal naming approach where a single enclosure-based naming scheme serves multiple functions: it provides consistent identification across all hosts, enables centralized tracking by the storage manager, and simplifies management operations. This universal name works for all hosts simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate per-host naming schemes
Data Source
AI summary
Storage management systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, a storage management method comprises: establishing a cluster including one or more logical unit number storage components (LUNs) communicatively coupled to one or more host nodes, wherein one of the one or more nodes is a master host node; performing a LUN naming process wherein a master host node assigns a name to each of the one or more LUNs respectively, even if the one or more LUNS are communicatively coupled to a slave host node; and operating the cluster, wherein the one or more host nodes refer to the one or more LUNs by the name. In one embodiment, the master host node stores information associated with the name in a computer readable medium. The cluster can include one or more slave host nodes.