Network Storage Integration for Automatic Switch Fabric Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center operations face inefficiencies in managing and configuring high-speed data communication equipment, leading to suboptimal performance and reliability in storage data transfer operations, as existing systems lack integrated automation between Network Management Systems (NMS) and Storage Management Systems (SMS).
Innovation Solution
The integration of NMS and SMS enables automatic provisioning of switching resources within the data center's switch fabric, allowing for dynamic allocation of resources based on specific storage data transfer operations, such as periodic backups and synchronous backups, by generating configuration data to program network devices and create logical networks with defined classes of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration of switching resources is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency of data transfer operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Network Management System (NMS) and Storage Management System (SMS) into an integrated system. The NMS receives storage data transfer operation messages from the SMS and automatically provisions switching resources in the switch fabric, combining network resource management with storage operation management to improve efficiency without requiring separate manual configuration processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-provisioning of switching resources. When a storage data transfer operation is initiated, the SMS automatically communicates with the NMS, which then automatically configures the necessary switching resources, logical networks, and classes of service without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through automation
2Productivity
If automatic provisioning of switching resources is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized message interface as an intermediary between the Storage Management System and Network Management System. This message-based communication protocol simplifies the integration complexity by providing a clear, structured way for the SMS to convey storage operation details to the NMS, which then translates into appropriate network resource provisioning actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of switching resources before storage data transfer operations begin. The NMS proactively provisions the necessary logical networks, virtual local area networks, and class of service parameters in advance, ensuring that when data transfer operations start, the network infrastructure is already optimized and ready, thereby improving productivity without creating runtime complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic allocation of switching resources is used, then adaptability improves, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the NMS receives status information about storage data transfer operations and adjusts switching resource allocation accordingly. The system monitors operation progress and can dynamically modify logical network configurations to ensure reliable data transfer, while the feedback loop allows for correction of any configuration issues that arise, maintaining reliability alongside adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network parameters such as class of service levels, virtual local area network identifiers, and switching priorities based on the type of storage data transfer operation being performed. By adjusting these parameters automatically according to operation requirements (e.g., synchronous vs. periodic backups), the system achieves adaptability while maintaining reliability through predefined parameter configurations that ensure proper resource allocation
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described to provide integration between a network management system and a storage management system. A network management system is described in which a programmable processor is configured to receive a message that defines a storage data transfer operation within a storage network controlled by the storage management system, generate configuration data to program one or more managed network devices to service the storage data transfer operation, wherein the one or more managed network devices are connected to comprise a switch fabric, and send the configuration data to the one or more managed network devices to create a network in the switch fabric to service the storage data transfer operation of the storage network.