Proxy DSM for Multipath I/O Storage Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multipath management systems require rebooting or disconnecting storage devices to update device-specific modules (DSMs), which is inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proxy DSM that redirects communications from Multipath I/O (MPIO) to the DSM, allowing updates without disconnecting storage devices or rebooting the host computing machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DSMs are updated by rebooting the host computing machine or removing storage devices, then the DSMs can be modified to implement bug-fixes and new features, but the host computing resources are inefficiently used and storage device availability is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage device availabilityVSAvoidDSM update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy DSM as an intermediary component that sits between the MPIO framework and the actual DSM. The proxy DSM receives I/O requests from MPIO and forwards them to the DSM, allowing the DSM to be updated independently without affecting ongoing storage operations. This mediator enables continuous availability while permitting DSM updates, resolving the contradiction between maintaining storage device availability and improving DSM update efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the host computing machine is rebooted to update DSMs, then the DSMs can be modified, but the operation is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDSM modifiabilityVSAvoidupdate convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the DSM update process from the host system operation by introducing the proxy DSM layer. This segmentation allows the DSM to be updated independently as a separate module without requiring host system reboot. The proxy DSM maintains the interface contract with MPIO while enabling independent DSM lifecycle management, making updates convenient and non-disruptive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices are removed from the host computing machine to update DSMs, then the DSMs can be modified, but the storage device connectivity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDSM modifiabilityVSAvoidstorage system availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy DSM serves as a persistent intermediary that maintains the connection between MPIO and the DSM throughout the update process. When the DSM is updated, the proxy DSM continues to handle I/O requests, ensuring storage device connectivity is never disrupted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling DSM modifiability while maintaining continuous storage system availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10241950B2Multipath I/O proxy device-specific module

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 NETAPP INC

AI summary

A method, non-transitory machine readable medium, and system are provided for modifying a device-specific module (DSM) corresponding to a storage device. In some embodiments, the method includes registering a first device-specific module (DSM) with a Multipath I/O (MPIO) module. The MPIO module provides one or more interfaces of the first DSM that redirect to one or more interfaces of a second DSM. The second DSM is modified to a modified second DSM. The MPIO module accesses the one or more interfaces of the first DSM and the accesses are redirected, by the one or more interfaces of the first DSM, to one or more interfaces of the modified second DSM.