Remote Copy Path Reset for SDS Storage Node Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems with software-defined storage (SDS) fail to address performance deterioration during scale-out or scale-in operations by neglecting the resetting of remote copy paths, leading to inefficiencies in data replication processes.

Innovation Solution

A storage system and path management method that includes a first management device at the primary site and a third management device at the secondary site to manage remote copy paths, allowing for the setting of new paths and deletion of original paths when storage nodes are increased or decreased, ensuring efficient data replication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage nodes are increased or decreased in an SDS-based storage system, then the storage system can adapt to changing performance and capacity requirements, but the remote copy path becomes outdated and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage node scalabilityVSAvoidremote copy performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device detects storage node changes and proactively resets remote copy paths before performance deterioration occurs. By performing the path reset operation in advance upon detecting node addition or removal, the system maintains optimal remote copy performance without waiting for performance degradation to manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If storage nodes are increased or decreased, then the system can optimize resource utilization, but the existing remote copy path configuration becomes invalid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidremote copy path validity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The management device continuously monitors the storage system configuration and detects when storage nodes are added or removed. Based on this feedback, the system automatically triggers remote copy path reset operations to maintain path validity, ensuring reliable data replication throughout system lifecycle changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If manual remote copy path resetting is performed after storage node changes, then path validity can be maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote copy path validityVSAvoidpath management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The management device automatically detects storage node changes and performs remote copy path reset operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the path validity issue by monitoring configuration changes and executing appropriate reset operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage path configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12608285B2Storage system and path management method

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 HITACHI VANTARA LTD

AI summary

A first management device is provided that sets, when a second storage node is increased/decreased at a secondary site, a new remote copy path between a first storage node provided with a primary volume associated with a secondary volume moved in accordance with the increase/decrease, and deletes an original remote copy path set between the second storage that is a movement source of the secondary volume moved in accordance with the increase/decrease and the first storage node.