Remote Copy Path Selection Across Multi-Node Storage Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote copy technologies between storage systems experience performance decreases due to inefficient path selection, particularly in systems with multiple nodes, leading to suboptimal data transfer and potential port failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a path selection program in secondary storage systems that dynamically selects paths based on node availability, performance, and port status, utilizing active and standby storage control software to ensure efficient data transfer and fail-over mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a path is selected in a round-robin manner between multiple paths, then load distribution is expected and port failure detection is expected to occur early, but data transfer performance decreases due to suboptimal path selection
Solution Approach 1:
The path selection mechanism transitions from a static round-robin approach to a dynamic selection process where the first storage system intelligently chooses the optimal path based on current system state, node configuration, and performance requirements, thereby maintaining high data transfer performance while ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the selection criterion from equal rotation (round-robin) to optimized selection based on parameters such as node identity, path quality, and system configuration, allowing the path selection to adapt to different operational scenarios and maintain optimal performance
2Reliability
If a path is selected in a round-robin manner, then load distribution is expected, but data transfer performance decreases due to suboptimal path selection
Solution Approach 1:
The path selection becomes dynamic and context-aware, adapting to the specific configuration of the storage system including the identity of the first and second storage systems, the number of nodes, and the required data transfer performance, rather than applying a fixed round-robin schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The selection parameters are changed from simple rotation index to composite criteria including node configuration, path quality metrics, and performance requirements, enabling intelligent path selection that maintains load distribution while optimizing data transfer performance
3Ease of operation
If any node sends a command for remote copy to the second storage system, then the node selects a path connected to its initiator port, but performance decreases when the selected path is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The first storage system performs self-assessment of its node configuration and path options, automatically selecting the optimal path without requiring external intervention or complex coordination, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while improving performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback about node configuration, path quality, and performance requirements into the path selection process, allowing the first storage system to make informed decisions that optimize remote copy performance while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to reduce a performance decrease in remote copy performed between a second storage system and a first storage system including a plurality of nodes. For each of a plurality of paths between the first and second storage systems, the path is a path that communicably connects any initiator port of the first storage system and any target port of the second storage system. The node includes a first VOL that forms a remote copy pair with a second VOL provided in the second storage system. When sending a command for the remote copy in the remote copy pair to the second storage system, the node selects, unless an abnormality related to the initiator port of the node is detected, the path connected to the initiator port, and sends the command via the selected path.