Shadow Storage Network for Non-Disruptive Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage network configurations in heterogeneous storage clusters are difficult to modify without disrupting IO operations, requiring complex and often disruptive maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shadow storage network with secondary network addresses allows for the validation of connectivity before applying changes to the primary network, enabling non-disruptive reconfiguration by assigning and unassigning addresses to storage targets and initiators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage network configuration is changed directly in the primary network, then reconfiguration can be applied immediately, but IO operations will be disrupted and downtime will occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a shadow storage network configuration before applying changes to the primary network. This preliminary action allows validation of connectivity and address assignment in advance, ensuring that when the configuration is switched to the shadow network, IO operations continue without disruption. The shadow network is prepared in advance with all necessary address mappings and connectivity validations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a shadow storage network that is a copy of the primary network configuration. This copy allows independent manipulation of network addresses and connectivity without affecting the live primary network. The shadow network serves as a testbed for changes, and only after validation does the system switch the primary network to use the updated shadow configuration.
2Reliability
If manual validation of connectivity is performed before reconfiguration, then connectivity can be verified, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation of connectivity automatically by having the shadow network validation module autonomously test connectivity between storage initiators and targets using the proposed new addresses. The validation process is self-contained within the shadow network, requiring no external manual intervention. The module automatically assigns addresses, validates connectivity paths, and determines readiness for deployment without human involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow network validation module implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor connectivity status during the validation process. If connectivity issues are detected, the system receives feedback about failed connections and automatically adjusts or rolls back the configuration. This feedback loop ensures reliable connectivity validation before the primary network is affected.
3Productivity
If network addresses are assigned to all storage initiators and targets simultaneously, then reconfiguration can be applied quickly, but connectivity issues may arise and validation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage network into distinct shadow network components that can be independently configured and validated. Instead of assigning addresses to all initiators and targets simultaneously across the entire network, the system processes assignments in segmented groups within the shadow network first. This segmentation allows gradual validation and identification of connectivity issues before full deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a processing device configured to receive a request to change a given storage network from a first to a second configuration, the given storage network being associated with a heterogeneous storage cluster comprising a plurality of storage targets and initiators having first network addresses in the first configuration. The processing device is also configured to generate a shadow storage network comprising second network addresses having the second configuration, to assign the second network addresses to a subset of a plurality of storage targets and initiators affected by the request to change the given storage network from the first to the second configuration, and, responsive to validating connectivity of the subset of the plurality of storage targets and initiators, to apply the requested change by unassigning ones of the first network addresses assigned to the subset of the plurality of storage targets and initiators.