SCSI Virtual Endpoint Failover Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing virtual endpoint failover and failback operations in SCSI networks, particularly in Fibre Channel environments, where operations are often disruptive and lack flexibility, leading to increased management complexity and processing overhead.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that dynamically manages SCSI target virtual endpoints, allowing for failover to secondary ports when primary ports fail and enabling flexible failback under administrator control, while supporting NPIV functionality to unify management of physical and virtual ports, enabling non-disruptive reconfiguration and migration of data storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional discrete management of Fibre Channel base ports and virtual ports is used, then port configuration follows standard protocols, but reconfiguration and management become relatively difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of Fibre Channel base ports and virtual ports into a unified management framework. Instead of treating them as separate discrete entities requiring different management procedures, the system consolidates their administration through common interfaces and procedures, thereby simplifying reconfiguration and reducing management complexity while maintaining protocol compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal management procedures that can handle both base ports and virtual ports through the same administrative interfaces. This multi-functional approach allows a single set of management tools and procedures to serve multiple port types, eliminating the need for separate management pathways and reducing overall operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static reconfiguration operations are performed on storage devices and network, then system can be reconfigured for different needs, but system operation is disrupted and performance/integrity issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static reconfiguration operations into dynamic, online reconfiguration capabilities. The system enables storage devices and network ports to be reconfigured while remaining operational, allowing configuration changes to take effect without taking the system offline. This dynamic approach maintains system availability throughout the reconfiguration process, eliminating service disruptions while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration validation and preparation steps before executing reconfiguration operations. By preparing and validating configuration changes in advance while the system remains operational, the system can apply changes with minimal disruption, maintaining service continuity and preventing integrity issues that would arise from abrupt static reconfiguration.
3Extent of automation
If manual failover operations are initiated in typical data storage networks, then failover can be controlled, but automatic failover is not provided and additional rescan operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service failover capabilities where the system automatically detects port failures and executes failover operations without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own operational state, identifies failure conditions, and autonomously initiates failover to alternative ports, thereby providing full automation while eliminating the need for subsequent manual rescan operations and reducing overall failover time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor port operational status and automatically trigger failover operations when failure conditions are detected. This closed-loop control system provides real-time feedback on port health, automatically initiates failover when thresholds are exceeded, and eliminates delays associated with manual detection and intervention, thereby achieving both automation and time efficiency.
4Device complexity
If all failover/failback operations are managed as independent tasks or treated the same, then simple management is possible, but processing overhead and system administration increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of failover and failback operations into a unified operational framework. Instead of treating these as completely independent tasks requiring separate management procedures, the system consolidates their administration through common control interfaces and coordinated procedures, thereby reducing processing overhead and simplifying system administration while maintaining the ability to handle each operation type appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal management procedures that can handle both failover and failback operations through the same administrative interfaces and control mechanisms. This multi-functional approach allows a single set of management tools to serve multiple operational modes, reducing the complexity burden that would arise from completely separate management systems while maintaining operational distinctness where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for systems and methods that facilitate control of virtual endpoint failover/failback operations in a SCSI target network environment. During failover, SCSI target virtual endpoints failover to a secondary SCSI target port when the primary port fails, and failback to the primary port when the primary port is corrected. Embodiments include a method of efficiently controlling failover and failback operations of virtual endpoints where such operations may have different operating characteristics and be asynchronously initiated, and a method of globally or selectively cancelling failover and failback operations based on multiple system and operating conditions.