Multipath Device Pseudo Name Mapping via Centralized Messaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In storage systems, the automatic configuration of pseudo names for multipath devices across host devices is inconsistent, leading to potential misallocation of IO operations and requiring manual intervention, which is resource-intensive and can cause downtime.
Innovation Solution
A messaging system and management console are used to maintain a centralized repository for logical volume to pseudo name mappings, allowing host devices to query and assign consistent pseudo names to multipath devices based on logical volume identifiers, thereby eliminating the need for manual configuration and ensuring consistent naming across all host devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multipath drivers automatically configure pseudo names for multipath devices on each host device, then configuration is performed without manual intervention, but inconsistent pseudo names are assigned across different host devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pseudo name assignment function into a centralized storage system component that manages naming across all host devices. Instead of each multipath driver independently assigning names, the storage system maintains a centralized repository that assigns and distributes consistent pseudo names to all host devices accessing the same logical volume, thereby combining distributed naming functions into a unified management approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component within the storage system that mediates between multiple host devices and the logical volumes. This intermediary maintains a centralized mapping repository that stores logical volume identifier to pseudo name mappings, and it distributes consistent pseudo names to all querying host devices, thereby acting as a mediator that ensures naming consistency across the distributed system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual intervention is used to configure pseudo names, then consistent naming can be achieved, but resource usage increases and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where host devices automatically query the centralized repository in the storage system to obtain assigned pseudo names for logical volumes. Instead of requiring manual configuration by administrators, the system enables host devices to autonomously retrieve and apply consistent pseudo names through automated queries and assignments, thereby eliminating manual intervention while maintaining naming consistency.
3Ease of operation
If each host device assigns its own pseudo names, then configuration is simplified locally, but misallocation of IO operations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where host devices query the centralized repository to obtain pseudo name assignments and then apply these assignments to their multipath devices. The repository maintains the authoritative mapping between logical volume identifiers and pseudo names, providing feedback to host devices to ensure they use the correct, consistent naming. This feedback loop ensures that IO operations are correctly routed based on the authoritative naming convention distributed by the storage system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a host device comprising at least one processor coupled to memory. The host device is configured to communicate over a network with a storage system comprising a plurality of storage devices. The host device is further configured to identify a logical volume identifier corresponding to a given logical volume of the storage system and to submit a message comprising an indication of the logical volume identifier to a messaging system. The host device is further configured to obtain, from the messaging system, an indication of a pseudo name corresponding to the logical volume identifier and to assign the obtained pseudo name to a multipath device corresponding to the given logical volume, the multipath device comprising a plurality of paths between the host device and the given logical volume.