Protocol Endpoint Segmentation for Virtual Volume Failure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional failure handling approaches for storage systems fail to manage access paths for virtual volumes during network connectivity failures between storage systems, leading to instability and potential data loss, as both systems may remain operational but unable to replicate data.
Innovation Solution
Generating a pair of protocol endpoints within each storage system, with one endpoint dedicated to each system, allowing for synchronization and replication of virtual volumes, and designating a preferred and non-preferred storage system for each virtual volume during connection failures to ensure continued access and data availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional failure handling approaches are used, then both storage systems remain operational, but network connectivity failure prevents data replication and creates access path management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access path management by creating separate protocol endpoints for each storage system (primary and secondary endpoints). This segmentation allows independent management of access paths to each storage system, enabling the host to selectively access the primary storage system while isolating the secondary storage system during network failures, thus simplifying access path management while maintaining both systems operational
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol endpoints act as intermediaries between the host and storage systems. By introducing these endpoint entities, the system mediates access requests and can selectively route them to the appropriate storage system based on network connectivity status, resolving the access path management complexity without affecting the operational status of either storage system
2Productivity
If both storage systems remain operational during network failure, then system availability is maintained, but data replication is prevented and access path conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts access path routing based on network connectivity conditions. During normal operation, both storage systems are accessible with replication enabled. During network failures, the system dynamically switches to access only the primary storage system, preventing replication conflicts while maintaining system availability for data access
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of protocol endpoints based on network conditions. When network failure is detected, the secondary endpoint transitions from an active state to an isolated state, changing its accessibility parameter. This allows the system to maintain high availability by keeping the primary system accessible while preventing data replication issues by isolating the secondary system
3Device complexity
If common protocol endpoints are used for both storage systems, then simplified interface is achieved, but failure handling and access path management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single common protocol endpoint, the patent segments the endpoint into separate primary and secondary endpoints, each dedicated to a specific storage system. This segmentation increases structural complexity but dramatically improves failure handling capability by allowing independent control and isolation of each endpoint based on network connectivity status
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for generating a pair of protocol endpoints within each storage system of a pair of storage systems. One protocol endpoint of the pair of protocol endpoints may be dedicated to each storage system of the pair of storage systems. One or more IO requests may be processed between one or more hosts and one or more virtual volumes within the pair of storage systems via the pair of protocol endpoints.