SAN Cabling Topology Automation via Test Packet Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of storage area network (SAN) infrastructure, with numerous storage subsystems and varying cabling schemes, makes it difficult to identify and correct miswiring and improper cabling, leading to lost redundancy in input/output paths and time-consuming manual inspections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a Cabling Topology Construction, Fault Isolation, and Recovery (CTCFIR) module in a management server to obtain subsystem and component information, send test packets, and track their paths, identifying points of failure and outputting the cabling topology to automate fault detection and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of cable connectivity is performed to identify miswiring and improper cabling, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection of cable connections with an automated electronic testing system. The CTCFIR module sends test packets through the SAN infrastructure to automatically trace cable paths and detect miswiring, substituting human physical inspection with electronic automated testing, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test packets as an intermediary element to facilitate fault detection. These test packets are sent through the cable infrastructure to carry information about connectivity and path tracing, enabling automated detection without direct manual inspection of physical connections
2Reliability
If comprehensive cabling schemes are implemented to ensure redundancy in IO paths, then system reliability is improved, but cabling complexity and difficulty of managing connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CTCFIR module automatically traces and reports the actual cable topology back to the configuration system. This feedback enables verification that redundant IO paths are correctly established without requiring manual inspection of complex cabling arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of cabling topology through automated test packet tracing. The CTCFIR module independently validates the SAN infrastructure configuration, enabling the system to self-check redundancy without external manual intervention, thereby managing complexity automatically
3Productivity
If automated test packet tracing is implemented to detect miswiring, then fault detection speed is improved, but system resource consumption and testing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial testing by sending test packets only when fault detection is required, rather than continuously. The CTCFIR module performs automated tracing on-demand to detect miswiring, achieving fast fault detection speed without constant resource consumption from continuous testing
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for construction, fault isolation, and recovery of cabling topology in a storage area network (SAN) is disclosed. In one embodiment, in a method for construction, fault isolation, and recovery of cabling topology in a SAN, subsystem information associated with each subsystem in the SAN is obtained. Then, an IP port and zoning information associated with connections of each subsystem is obtained. Component information associated with each component is also obtained. Any other relevant information associated with each subsystem and each component is obtained from users. The obtained subsystem information, IP port and zoning information, component information, and any other relevant information are compiled. Test packets are then sent from end-to-end in SAN using compiled information. The sent test packets are tracked via each component in each subsystem in the SAN. The cabling topology of the SAN is then outputted based on the outcome of the tracking.