SAN Topology Visualization for Device Compatibility Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing the complexity of large storage area networks (SANs) in data centers is challenging due to the interdependence of devices, making it time-consuming and labor-intensive to ensure compatibility and interoperability of new devices with existing nodes, especially when introducing new resources.

Innovation Solution

A user interface-based tool for visualizing SAN topology allows administrators to input device information, validate compatibility, and determine interoperability between devices by searching a database, ensuring seamless integration and minimizing system performance impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual compatibility validation is performed for each new device in a large SAN, then interoperability can be ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs compatibility validation in advance before devices are physically connected to the SAN. The topology map allows administrators to plan and validate device interoperability beforehand, ensuring compatibility issues are identified and resolved before actual deployment, thus reducing both time loss and ensuring reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database as an intermediary that stores compatibility information and device specifications. This database automatically validates whether new devices are compatible with existing SAN infrastructure, eliminating manual validation efforts while ensuring interoperability through automated rule-based checking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive device compatibility checking is implemented, then integration issues are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration successVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-validation by automatically checking device compatibility against stored compatibility rules and specifications in the database. The topology map tool autonomously identifies potential integration issues without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing management complexity while maintaining high integration success rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical compatibility checking processes with automated computational validation. The system uses software-based topology mapping and database querying to substitute human administrators' manual verification efforts, reducing management complexity while improving integration reliability through consistent automated checking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10855553B2Visualization of new storage area network devices and connectivity with a topology based map

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

Visualization of a topology of a network is provided. An aspect includes receiving, via a user interface, user-inputted device information for a first device. The first device has a first device type. An aspect also includes populating a map view window of a user interface screen with a graphical representation of the first device, and receiving, via the user interface, connector information for a user-inputted connector that connects the first device with a graphical representation of a second device in the map view window. The second device has a second device type that is different than the first device type. Upon receiving the connector information, an aspect further includes searching a database for device information for the second device, and validating, from the user-inputted device information of the first device and the device information of the second device, compatibility of the first device and the second device.