Enterprise Storage Array Port Disabling via Centralized Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional path management software lacks the functionality to disable array controllers and ports across an entire enterprise storage system, leading to difficulties in diagnosing input/output errors and causing unnecessary corrective actions during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a management server in a storage area network (SAN) to receive requests to disable array ports, identify hosts with paths to the port, and transmit instructions to these hosts to disable paths, allowing for controlled offline states of array controllers and ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional path management software is used to manage SANs, then path detection and load balancing are provided, but the ability to disable array ports across an entire enterprise is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The management server is enhanced with universal functionality to perform both existing path management tasks (load balancing, path detection) and the new capability of disabling array ports across the entire enterprise. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to address both historical needs and new requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server acts as an intermediary between administrators and the array ports/hosts. Instead of directly modifying host configurations, the management server receives disable requests, identifies affected hosts through the configuration table, and transmits instructions to disable paths, thereby mediating the port disabling operation across the enterprise storage system.
2Ease of repair
If array ports are taken offline without disabling first, then maintenance can be performed, but input/output errors and path failures occur across the SAN
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by disabling array ports at the management level before actually taking them offline for maintenance. The management server receives a disable request, processes the configuration table to identify affected hosts, and transmits instructions to disable paths beforehand. This preliminary disabling prevents input/output errors and path failures from occurring when the port is subsequently taken offline.
3Ease of operation
If array ports are disabled without centralized management, then individual hosts can be managed independently, but diagnostic complexity increases and unnecessary corrective actions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The management server maintains a configuration table that tracks which hosts have paths to which array ports. When a port disabling request is received, the server uses this feedback information from the configuration table to automatically identify all affected hosts and transmit appropriate instructions to them. This feedback mechanism provides centralized visibility and control, simplifying diagnostics and preventing unnecessary corrective actions while still managing individual host connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for disabling an array port in an enterprise storage system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a storage area network (SAN), a plurality of hosts, an array controller comprising a plurality of array ports, and a management server. The management server receives a request to disable an identified one of the plurality of array ports and identifies, from a configuration table stored in the management system server, one or more of the plurality of hosts having at least one path to the identified array port. The management server transmits an instruction to the one or more of the plurality of hosts to disable paths to the identified array port.