Single Path I/O Restriction Logic for Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, restricting I/O communications between a host system and a storage system to a single path is challenging due to the need for manual manipulation of physical connections and zoning/masking tables, which is labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially during host system reboots or when the host system is not capable of multi-path communication.
Innovation Solution
A method that restricts I/O communications to a single permitted path without altering the definition of data structures, using single-path logic to update masking tables or other data structures automatically, allowing communications only on the specified path during reboots or when the host system is not capable of multi-path communication, and lifts restrictions once the reboot is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation of physical connections and zoning/masking tables is used to restrict I/O communications to a single path, then single-path communication can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system automatically performs the restriction of I/O communications to a single permitted path without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the masking table updates and path restrictions based on received indications, eliminating the need for administrators to manually manipulate physical connections or zoning/masking tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of physical connections and zoning tables with an automated software-based system. The storage system uses logical control mechanisms to restrict I/O communications to permitted paths, substituting the mechanical/administrative process with an automated electronic control system that reduces human error and labor.
2Productivity
If automated single-path restriction is implemented, then administrative overhead is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system's existing control mechanisms are extended to handle both multi-path and single-path communication scenarios. The same masking tables and path management infrastructure are used for both automated single-path restriction and traditional multi-path operations, allowing the system to perform multiple functions without requiring entirely separate control systems.
3Reliability
If I/O communications are restricted to a single path during host reboot, then communication stability is improved, but the flexibility of path selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of path restriction based on the operational state of the host. During reboot operations, the system automatically restricts communications to a single permitted path to ensure stability. Once the host reboot is complete and normal operations resume, the system automatically restores flexible multi-path communication capabilities, allowing adaptation to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Communications between a host system and a storage system may be restricted to a single I/O path, at least temporarily, without manually manipulating physical connections to the host system and/or storage system or manually data structures defining I/O connectivity. In response to a communication to maintain only a first permitted I/O path between a host system and a storage system, I/O communications may be prevented on any I/O paths between the host system and the storage system, except for the first permitted I/O system, without modifying the definition of any permitted I/O paths on the storage system. One or more fields may be included in entries of a data structure that defines permitted I/O paths, the fields specifying whether an I/O path should be allowed to, or prevented from, carry communications between a host system and the storage system, at least temporarily.