Path-Based Data Migration Between Incompatible MPIO Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data migration techniques in storage systems often require significant application downtime and reconfiguration when migrating data from a source logical volume under one MPIO driver to a target logical volume under another MPIO driver, especially when the drivers are incompatible or not supported by third-party tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of path-based data migration logic that transfers effective control of multi-path logical devices from a current MPIO driver to a target MPIO driver by adding and removing paths, allowing seamless data migration without replacing or uninstalling the current MPIO driver, thereby enabling data migration between logical volumes under different MPIO drivers without substantial downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data migration is performed between logical volumes under different MPIO drivers using traditional methods, then data migration can be completed, but significant application downtime and reconfiguration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path-based migration mechanism that acts as an intermediary between source and target logical volumes. By creating a path from the source multi-path logical device to the target logical volume and using this path for data migration, the system enables seamless data transfer without requiring application downtime. The path serves as a mediator that allows the current MPIO driver to access the target logical volume controlled by a different MPIO driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating the path from the source multi-path logical device to the target logical volume before actual data migration begins. The system also performs preliminary path verification and setup, ensuring that the migration path is established and validated before data transfer commences, thereby avoiding downtime during the migration process.
2Reliability
If traditional data migration methods are used between different MPIO drivers, then data can be migrated, but significant reconfiguration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The path-based migration mechanism serves as an intermediary that simplifies the migration process between different MPIO drivers. Instead of requiring complex reconfiguration of the MPIO drivers themselves, the system creates a manageable path connection between the source multi-path logical device and the target logical volume, making the migration process easier to operate and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the migration process into distinct path-based operations. By breaking down the complex migration task into manageable path creation, path verification, and data transfer steps, the system reduces the overall reconfiguration effort required. Each segment can be independently managed and verified.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party data migration tools are used with incompatible MPIO drivers, then data migration may be impossible, but the patent enables migration anyway
Solution Approach 1:
The path-based migration mechanism provides a universal solution that works across different MPIO drivers and third-party data migration tools. By creating a standardized path interface between the source and target logical volumes, the system enables compatibility between otherwise incompatible systems, allowing various MPIO drivers and migration tools to work together through the common path-based interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A host device comprises a current multi-path input-output (MPIO) driver that is configured to group paths from the host device to a source logical volume into a source multi-path logical device. A source multi-path logical device for a target MPIO driver is generated that has the same group of paths as the source multi-path logical device of the current MPIO driver. The source multi-path logical device of the target MPIO driver is added as a path in the source multi-path logical device of the current MPIO driver and the other paths are removed. A target multi-path logical device for the target MPIO driver is generated that groups paths from the host device to a target logical volume into the target multi-path logical device. Data from the source logical volume to the target logical volume is migrated based at least in part on the source and target multi-path logical devices of the target MPIO driver.