RAID Control Device Virtual Port Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems using port multipliers cannot divide a RAID set into multiple logical devices, limiting capacity recognition to 2 TiB or less and preventing flexible device configuration and separate management of system and user areas, as well as failing to enhance RAID set reliability.
Innovation Solution
A control device connected to a host and RAID set, utilizing circuitry to perform data communication via AHCI protocol, virtually setting multiple ports and logical devices, allowing connection of these devices to separate ports, enabling flexible device configuration and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a port multiplier is used to connect multiple drives to one host, then the number of connected devices increases, but the host cannot divide the RAID set into multiple logical devices and cannot recognize capacities exceeding 2 TiB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single RAID set into multiple logical devices (LUNs), each with distinct logical unit numbers. The control device creates virtual divisions within the physical RAID set, allowing the host to recognize and manage multiple logical devices separately, including those with capacities exceeding 2 TiB. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both multiple device connections and logical device division simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If a port multiplier is used to connect multiple drives to one host, then device connectivity increases, but separate management of system area and user area becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables separate management of system area and user area by segmenting the RAID set into distinct logical devices. Each logical device can be assigned specific functionality (e.g., system partition, user data partition), allowing independent management and configuration. This segmentation approach maintains device connectivity while providing the operational flexibility needed for separate area management.
3Quantity of substance
If a port multiplier is used to connect multiple drives to one host, then connection capability improves, but flexibility in setting device configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible configuration of logical devices within the RAID set. The system allows dynamic creation, modification, and assignment of logical unit numbers to different logical devices, providing adaptability in device configuration. This dynamic approach maintains connection capability while enabling flexible setup according to specific operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device to be connected to a host and a disk device including at least one Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks (RAID) set, the control device includes circuitry that performs data communication with the host by a protocol capable of connecting one logical device in the RAID set to each port, virtually sets a plurality of ports which are defined by the protocol, sets a plurality of logical devices in the RAID set included in the disk device, and connects the plurality of logical devices to the plurality of ports, respectively, and the circuitry is to be connected to the host through an interface.