Storage Array Configurable Device Names
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-path input-output (MPIO) drivers in storage area networks automatically assign different pseudonames to the same storage device, leading to inconsistencies across host devices, which complicates data management and application orchestration in shared storage systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage system with network-wide configurable device names, where user-defined names are assigned and stored persistently, ensuring consistent identification of storage devices across all host devices in the network, overriding automatically assigned pseudonames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MPIO drivers automatically assign pseudonames to storage devices, then each host device can independently identify storage devices, but consistency of device names across the network is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage array as an intermediary that centralizes device name management. The storage array receives commands from host devices to assign user-defined names to storage devices and stores these assignments in persistent memory. This mediator ensures all hosts use consistent names while maintaining independent identification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the device naming function from individual host devices into a centralized storage array. Instead of each host independently assigning pseudonames, the storage array consolidates this function, receiving naming commands and managing persistent storage of device names across the entire network.
2Ease of operation
If user-defined names are assigned to storage devices, then device identification becomes user-friendly and consistent, but additional command processing and persistent storage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The storage array provides self-service by automatically managing user-defined names. Once a user assigns a name through a command, the storage array autonomously stores it in persistent memory and ensures all hosts use this name, eliminating the need for manual configuration on each host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning user-defined names to storage devices before hosts need to access them. The storage array maintains a persistent record of these names, so when hosts connect, they automatically receive consistent, pre-configured device names rather than generating pseudonames on-the-fly.
3Speed
If pseudonames are automatically assigned by MPIO drivers, then device identification is established quickly, but data management and application orchestration become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the naming parameter from automatically generated pseudonames to user-defined names. This parameter change maintains quick identification speed while dramatically improving data management ease, as users can now use meaningful names (e.g., 'DatabaseStorage') instead of opaque pseudonames, making orchestration and management intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system in one embodiment comprises at least one storage array comprising a plurality of storage devices. The storage array is configured to communicate over one or more networks with a plurality of host devices. The storage array is further configured to receive one or more commands from a given one of the host devices directing that a particular user-defined name be assigned to a particular one of the storage devices, and responsive to receipt of the one or more commands, to determine if any other user-defined name is already assigned to the particular storage device, and if there is no other user-defined name already assigned to the particular storage device, to assign the particular user-defined name to the particular storage device and to store information characterizing the assignment of the particular user-defined name to the particular storage device in persistent memory of the storage array.