SAN Switch Port Testing via Dynamic Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage area network (SAN) testing requires expensive dedicated tester ports, which are costly and inefficient, whereas existing switch ports are underutilized for testing purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that configure a switch element with multiple ports to operate as a test tool, allowing users to select options, obtain a license key, specify frame types, enable transmitters, and initiate link state machines to log into the network and target devices, thereby utilizing existing switch ports for testing without the need for dedicated testers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated tester ports are used for SAN testing, then testing reliability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables regular switch ports to perform both their original switching function and testing function. The port can be dynamically configured to operate as a test port when needed, eliminating the need for dedicated tester ports while maintaining testing reliability through software-controlled test mode activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch itself provides testing capabilities through its existing ports without requiring external dedicated testing equipment. The switch generates test frames, monitors link state, and performs self-diagnostics, making the system self-sufficient for testing purposes and reducing overall device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If dedicated tester ports are used for SAN testing, then testing precision is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting precisionVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Switch ports are designed to dynamically switch between normal switching operations and testing operations. The same physical port infrastructure serves both data transmission and testing purposes, maximizing resource utilization while maintaining testing precision through dedicated test frame generation and monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The port configuration is dynamic rather than static. Ports can be programmatically configured to enter test mode when needed and return to normal operation afterward. This dynamic reconfiguration allows precise testing when required while optimizing resource utilization during normal operation, eliminating the need for permanent dedicated tester ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If switch ports are used for testing purposes, then device cost is reduced, but testing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidtesting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller or management system that mediates between the user and the switch ports. This intermediary handles the complexity of configuring ports for testing, managing test frame generation, and interpreting test results, thereby simplifying the user interface while enabling sophisticated testing capabilities through existing switch ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for separate physical testing equipment with software-based testing functionality integrated into the switch. Instead of mechanical or hardware-based dedicated testers, the system uses software-controlled frame generation and monitoring, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining testing capabilities through virtualized test port functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7895300B1Systems and methods for testing device ports in a storage area network

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

Method and system for configuring a switch element having a plurality of ports to operate as a test tool is provided. The method includes initiating a user interface with a plurality of selectable options, where a user selects one or more of the selectable options for configuring test parameters for a port to operate as a test port; obtaining a license key for configuring the port to operate as the test port; selecting a port from among the plurality of ports to operate as the test port; selecting a frame type for transmitting frames from the test port; specifying characteristics for the frames transmitted by the test port; determining whether the test port is online or offline; enabling a transmitter of the test port; starting a link state machine of the test port; the test port receiving an active signal or an active primitive to thereby activate the test port; the test port logging into the network; and the test port logging into a target device of the network.