Smart Zoning Using Device Alias Database to Reduce TCAM Entries
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage area networks, the existing methods require N*(N−1) ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) entries for hard zoning, which is inefficient and results in unnecessary communication restrictions among initiators and targets, except for specific applications like replication, leading to a need for optimizing TCAM space usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device alias database to map device types and Port World Wide Names (pWWN) to reduce the number of TCAM entries required by creating two-member zones between initiators and targets, thereby optimizing TCAM space and simplifying zoning configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N*(N-1) TCAM entries are used for hard zoning, then zoning security is improved, but TCAM space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the zoning approach by introducing soft zoning as an alternative to hard zoning. Instead of requiring N*(N-1) TCAM entries for complete hard zoning, the system uses soft zoning with a subset of TCAM entries combined with fabric filters, reducing the quantity of TCAM space needed while maintaining security through layered access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of zoning strictness from hard zoning (requiring complete TCAM entries) to soft zoning (using partial TCAM entries with fabric filters). This parameter change allows the system to reduce TCAM space consumption from N*(N-1) entries to a smaller subset, while maintaining security through the combined use of fabric filters and zone configuration.
2Reliability
If hard zoning is implemented with N*(N-1) TCAM entries, then access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control mechanism into two parts: soft zoning using a subset of TCAM entries for initiator-target pairs, and fabric filters for additional control. This segmentation reduces the complexity of managing complete hard zoning while maintaining access control through the coordinated operation of these two mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fabric filters as an intermediary mechanism between the TCAM entries and the actual data access. The fabric filters act as a mediator that provides additional access control layers, allowing the system to reduce TCAM space usage while maintaining security through the combined effect of soft zoning and fabric filtering.
3Quantity of substance
If TCAM entries are reduced for soft zoning, then TCAM space is improved, but communication restrictions may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fabric filters as an intermediary mechanism that compensates for the reduced TCAM entries in soft zoning. The fabric filters act as a mediator that provides the necessary communication control and security, ensuring that reducing TCAM space does not compromise the ability to restrict unauthorized communication while maintaining legitimate access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the fabric filter mechanism universal by applying it across all zoning scenarios. The fabric filters provide multi-functional control, handling both the access control function and the communication restriction function, thereby allowing TCAM space reduction without creating harmful communication restrictions through the coordinated use of soft zoning and fabric filtering.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to implement smart zoning using device alias database that preserves TCAM space. Embodiments may consider device types to save an administrator's efforts from splitting application specific zones into two-member (initiator and target) zones.