Staged Inter-Switch Link Initialization for Storage Fabric Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high peak resource requirements during the initialization of multiple inter-switch links in storage area networks lead to increased costs and complexity, as well as underutilization of computing resources after the transient peak has receded, due to the need for simultaneous initialization of all ports, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Selecting only one inter-switch link for initialization between switches and enabling the associated ports, with methods such as selecting the first to complete message exchange or highest transmission rate, and disabling the others, allowing incremental initialization based on available computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all parallel ISLs are initialized simultaneously, then fabric configuration completeness is improved, but peak computing resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the initialization process by dividing parallel ISLs into groups that are initialized sequentially rather than simultaneously. Each group is brought up in stages, allowing computing resources to be distributed across time periods. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining complete fabric configuration while preventing peak resource overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing fabric configuration operations on the first group of initialized ISLs before bringing up subsequent groups. This staged approach allows the system to complete essential configuration tasks with limited resources active, then progressively add more ISLs as resources become available, avoiding the need to support all ISLs simultaneously.
2Speed
If switching elements are designed for peak resource requirements, then initialization speed is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the system's resource utilization adaptive rather than static. Instead of designing for fixed peak requirements, the system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on the current stage of initialization. Computing resources are actively engaged during each initialization phase and then released or reduced when that phase completes, allowing standard hardware to achieve high initialization speeds without requiring oversized components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual initialization is performed to distribute resources, then resource utilization is improved, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated mechanisms that perform the resource distribution function previously requiring manual intervention. The system automatically selects which ISLs to initialize in each stage, manages the timing and sequencing of bring-up operations, and monitors resource availability without human input. This automation maintains efficient resource utilization while dramatically reducing the time and labor required compared to manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric having switches interconnected with multiple parallel interswitch links can be configured using staged port bring up. Only one of the multiple parallel interswitch links between any two switches and the corresponding switch ports can be selected and initialized. The fabric can be configured with the selected ISLs. Once the fabric has stabilized, unselected ISLs and the corresponding switch ports can be incrementally initialized. The number of unselected ISLs to be initialized can be determined based on the available computing resources of the fabric switches.