Multi-Host NIC Firmware Updates Without I/O Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-host storage systems face challenges in performing firmware updates for network interface cards without disrupting input-output processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for updating firmware of network interface cards in a multi-host storage system by invoking multi-host failover, temporarily switching to a secondary card, updating the firmware, and reconfiguring hosts to use the updated card, while maintaining continuous input-output operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware update is performed on a network interface card in a multi-host storage system, then the firmware version is improved, but input-output processing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs failover to a standby network interface card before the firmware update begins. This preliminary action ensures that I/O processing is already redirected to the backup path, preventing disruption during the actual firmware update execution on the primary card.
Solution Approach 2:
A standby network interface card serves as an intermediary component that temporarily assumes the I/O processing role while the primary card undergoes firmware update. The standby card acts as a mediator that maintains system functionality during the transition and update process.
2Reliability
If firmware update is performed on a network interface card, then the system reliability is improved, but system availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The failover to standby network interface card is executed before the firmware update starts, ensuring that system availability is maintained throughout the update process. This preliminary switching action prevents any downtime during the actual firmware flashing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
I/O processing continues uninterrupted by being redirected to the standby network interface card during the firmware update. The useful action of data transmission and reception maintains continuity through the standby component, eliminating gaps in system operation.
3Productivity
If multi-host failover is invoked to update firmware, then non-disruptive update is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card system is segmented into primary and standby components, each with dedicated roles. This segmentation allows independent management and updating of the primary card while the standby card maintains system operation, simplifying the update process despite the dual-component architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily discards the primary network interface card from active service during firmware update, relying on the standby card. After successful update, the roles are recovered and swapped, with the updated card becoming primary and the former primary becoming standby, enabling continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-host storage system, failover is invoked to update NIC firmware. Failover causes first and second hosts with first and second NICs to use the first NIC and cease using the second NIC. Bus links enable the second host to use the first NIC. The second NIC firmware is updated after associated transport resources and drivers are deleted and memory resources freed. New drivers are installed, and transport resources rebuilt. Multi-host virtual ports are re-synchronized and the functionality of the updated NIC is enabled. Failover allows the second host to continue processing IOs while the second NIC is being updated.