Network Adapter Activation Sequence for Fibre Channel Uplink Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fibre channel networking, client devices often enter a read-only or timed out state due to premature activation of network adapters during the mapping process to fibre channel uplinks, leading to inefficiencies and extended system operation times when uplinks become unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated network adapter activation that includes determining a sequence for mapping network adapters to fibre channel uplinks, incorporating a time delay between activations, and activating adapters based on this sequence to ensure completion of the mapping process, thereby reducing errors and read-only states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network adapters are activated simultaneously at the beginning of the mapping process, then the system appears ready for traffic quickly, but client devices error into read-only and timed out states
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping process is initiated and completed for all network adapters before any activation occurs. This preliminary completion of mapping ensures that when activation begins, all adapters have valid uplink assignments, preventing the read-only and timeout errors that occur when adapters are activated before mapping is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The process is divided into two distinct phases: (1) mapping phase where all network adapters are assigned to uplinks without activation, and (2) activation phase where adapters are enabled sequentially. This segmentation prevents the conflict between having adapters ready for traffic and completing mapping assignments.
2Reliability
If network adapters are activated in sequence with delays, then mapping completion is ensured, but the total activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
All mapping assignments are completed in advance before the activation sequence begins. This preliminary completion eliminates the need for lengthy delays between activations, as the system only needs to wait for mapping to finish once, not repeatedly between each adapter activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when mapping is complete for each adapter and activates it immediately upon completion, without requiring manual intervention or excessive waiting periods. This self-service approach minimizes total activation time while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, computer-readable media and computer-implemented method for automated network adapter activation in connection with fibre channel uplink mapping. The system includes a non-virtualized storage area network switch having a plurality of fibre channel ports. Each of the fibre channel ports is coupled to a corresponding cable to at least partly define a fibre channel uplink. The system also includes a plurality of client devices. Each client device has a network adapter. The system also includes a processing element and non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions instructing the processing element to complete the following steps: (1) automatically execute an algorithm to determine a sequence for mapping the network adapters to respective fibre channel uplinks; (2) automatically determine a network adapter activation pattern based on the sequence to include a time delay between the network adapters; (3) automatically map the network adapters to respective fibre channel uplinks according to the sequence; and (4) automatically activate the network adapters based on the network adapter activation pattern.