Parallel SAS Enclosure Identification for Storage Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-enclosure numbering (AEN) algorithms in SAS-based data storage systems become time-consuming and cause delays as the number of disk drive enclosures increases, leading to prolonged configuration times and system instability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the disk processor, equipped with multiple bus ports, processes disk drive enclosures in parallel using the AEN algorithm, allowing both storage processors to evaluate and assign identifiers simultaneously across all buses, reducing configuration time and minimizing system unavailability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conventional AEN algorithm processes disk drive enclosures serially, then each enclosure receives careful evaluation according to identification rules, but the configuration time increases significantly as the number of enclosures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enclosure evaluation process by creating separate evaluation paths for different enclosure types (e.g., online enclosures, lockdown enclosures, new enclosures). Each segment handles specific identification rules independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple enclosures while maintaining accurate identification through dedicated evaluation logic for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from serial processing to parallel processing by evaluating multiple enclosures simultaneously across different evaluation dimensions. Instead of processing enclosures one-by-one in sequence, the system evaluates multiple enclosures at the same time using separate evaluation threads or processes, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the processing architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of disk drive enclosures increases in a SAS-based array, then storage capacity and versatility improve, but the AEN algorithm becomes increasingly time-consuming and causes system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large set of enclosures into smaller manageable groups that can be evaluated independently and in parallel. This segmentation prevents the AEN algorithm from becoming overwhelmed by the total number of enclosures, maintaining system stability even as the array expands to accommodate more enclosures and improve versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation and categorization of enclosures before final identification assignment. By pre-processing enclosure information and organizing it into evaluation-ready formats, the system prepares the data structure in advance, reducing the computational burden during the actual AEN execution and preventing system instability during array expansion.
3Measurement precision
If the AEN algorithm evaluates each enclosure according to multiple rules in sequence, then identification accuracy is maintained, but the processing delay increases egregiously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiple identification rules into separate evaluation modules that can operate independently and in parallel. Instead of applying all rules sequentially to each enclosure, the system divides the rule set into segments that can be evaluated simultaneously across different enclosures, maintaining identification accuracy while dramatically improving configuration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters from sequential rule application to parallel rule evaluation. By modifying the execution paradigm and allowing multiple rules to be evaluated concurrently across different enclosures, the system maintains the thoroughness of multi-rule evaluation while eliminating the egregious processing delays associated with sequential execution.
Data Source
AI summary
In a disk processor, a method includes receiving, by a first storage processor of the disk processor, an instruction to assign each enclosure of the set of disk drive enclosures an identifier, the first storage processor being disposed in electrical communication with the set of disk drive enclosures to define at least one bus, each identifier providing a distinct identity to each enclosure in the data storage system. The method includes evaluating, by the first storage processor and as part of a first batch process, the set of enclosures relative to a set of identification rules. The method includes assigning, by the first storage processor and as part of the first batch process, an identifier to each enclosure that complies with the set of identification rules. The method includes generating a fault notification for each enclosure that does not comply with at least one identification rule of the set of identification rules.