Network Virtualization Optimizer for Storage Area Network Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network virtualization technologies often result in suboptimal configurations and security issues due to over-provisioning and non-optimized initial setups, lacking continuous optimization and real-time adaptation to varying workload characteristics in enterprise IT data centers.
Innovation Solution
A network virtualization optimizer (NVO) dynamically determines and configures optimal mappings between server, storage, and network layers based on performance metrics, utilizing multipath drivers, zoning, and port bindings to create optimized data center configurations, enabling real-time adjustments and security enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network virtualization is implemented with initial provisioning, then storage capacity and connectivity are provided, but suboptimal configurations and security issues occur due to over-provisioning and non-optimized setups
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic optimization of network virtualization configurations by continuously monitoring performance metrics and automatically adjusting mappings between server, storage, and network layers. This replaces static initial provisioning with adaptive reconfiguration that responds to changing workload characteristics, eliminating suboptimal configurations while maintaining security through controlled optimization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention establishes a feedback loop that monitors performance metrics from the storage area network and uses this information to iteratively improve virtualization configurations. The system collects data on I/O performance, path utilization, and security parameters, then uses this feedback to optimize mappings and zoning configurations, preventing over-provisioning issues while enhancing overall system reliability
2Ease of operation
If static initial configurations are used for network virtualization, then setup is simplified, but the system lacks continuous optimization and real-time adaptation to varying workload characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration setup that establishes baseline mappings and security parameters, then automatically executes optimization routines that adapt to varying workloads. This preliminary action provides the simplified initial setup while the subsequent automated adaptation ensures real-time responsiveness to changing conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The network virtualization system implements self-service optimization by automatically monitoring its own performance metrics and executing reconfiguration operations without external intervention. The system autonomously adjusts path selections, updates zoning configurations, and optimizes resource mappings based on real-time workload characteristics, maintaining ease of operation while achieving continuous adaptation
3Quantity of substance
If over-provisioning is applied to ensure sufficient capacity, then resource availability is improved, but security issues and non-optimized configurations result
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes configuration parameters such as path selections, zoning definitions, and mapping relationships based on monitored performance metrics and security requirements. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient resource availability through flexible allocation while simultaneously reducing security issues by enforcing proper access controls and isolation boundaries in the optimized configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to determine one or more optimal mappings between a server layer and a storage layer through a network layer based on performance metrics of one or more ports of at least one of the server layer, the storage layer and the network layer.