Automated SAN Storage Configuration for Blade Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring blade computing devices to use logical disks on storage-area network (SAN) storage devices is complex due to numerous settings and parameters that need to be properly configured, and improper configuration can prevent the devices from functioning correctly.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to select and configure blade computing devices, switches, and SAN storage devices through a graphical user interface, with a configuration and management controller that automates the selection and deployment of network settings, DHCP configurations, and operating system instances, ensuring proper integration and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of multiple settings and parameters is performed for each computing device to use SAN storage devices, then the computing device can function with the SAN storage device, but the configuration process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the computing device, selecting appropriate SAN storage devices, and configuring necessary settings and parameters without requiring manual intervention. The configuration manager autonomously completes the entire configuration process, eliminating the complexity of manual setup while ensuring proper device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures SAN storage devices and prepares configuration templates before computing devices need to access them. By having configuration settings ready in advance and automatically applying them when devices connect, the system eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while ensuring devices are properly set up to function with SAN storage.
2Quantity of substance
If a large number of SAN storage devices and computing devices are deployed, then storage capacity and computing power increase, but the difficulty of configuration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration manager provides a universal interface that can handle any computing device and SAN storage device combination through automated detection and configuration. This multi-functional system can manage large numbers of devices uniformly, allowing IT personnel to deploy extensive storage and computing resources without proportionally increasing configuration difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration manager acts as an intermediary between computing devices and SAN storage devices, automatically handling all configuration tasks. This mediator system simplifies management by centralizing configuration control, allowing IT personnel to manage large device topologies through a single automated interface rather than manually configuring each device pair.
3Reliability
If IT personnel manually configure each setting and parameter for computing devices, then proper functionality can be achieved, but the time and cost of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs all configuration tasks including device detection, SAN storage selection, setting configuration, and parameter setup without requiring IT personnel intervention. This self-service capability ensures proper device functionality while eliminating the time investment that would otherwise be required for manual configuration of each computing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-prezes configuration templates and has SAN storage devices ready for assignment before computing devices need to access them. By having configurations prepared in advance and automatically applying them upon device connection, the system ensures proper functionality is achieved instantly without requiring IT personnel to spend time on manual configuration tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis is selected from one or more chassis. Each chassis has one or more computing devices installed therein. A computing device is selected from the computing devices installed in the selected chassis. Each computing device is connected to one or more switches within the chassis. A switch is selected from the switches to which the selected computing device is connected. Each switch is connected to a storage-area network (SAN) encompassing one or more SAN storage devices. A SAN storage device is selected from the SAN storage devices connected to the selected switch. Network settings for the SAN storage device and/or the computing device are configured, including dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) settings for the computing device. The SAN storage device is configured for use by the computing device. An operating system (OS) instance is selected and deployed onto the SAN storage device for use by the computing device.