Storage Control Apparatus Coupling Modes for Distance and Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in efficiently linking and managing multiple storage control apparatuses with varying performance and functionality levels, especially when located at different sites, leading to performance inefficiencies and increased costs due to unnecessary load and waste, and require a solution that accounts for distance and performance differences.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising multiple storage control apparatus units configured with a third coupling mode that allows for long-distance communication between units, enabling virtualization of logical volumes and flexible management of tier levels based on performance factors, thereby optimizing performance and functionality across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple storage control apparatuses are coupled using the same design regardless of performance differences and distance, then system expansion is simplified, but performance efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary load and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage control apparatuses into different types (first type with high performance, second type with lower performance) and couples them using different coupling modes. High-performance apparatuses use first coupling mode for short-distance, high-speed connections, while lower-performance apparatuses use second coupling mode for long-distance connections. This segmentation allows each apparatus to operate at optimal performance levels without unnecessary load from uniform high-performance design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different coupling modes to different apparatuses based on their specific performance characteristics and distance requirements. Each storage control apparatus is configured with coupling mode information matching its performance level, ensuring that local performance capabilities are optimized rather than forcing all apparatuses to meet a uniform high-performance standard.
2Area of stationary object
If storage control apparatuses are coupled at different sites to meet installation space restrictions, then site space utilization is improved, but performance deteriorates due to distance impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling mode parameter based on distance between apparatuses. For long-distance connections between different sites, the second coupling mode is used, which is optimized for longer communication distances. This parameter change allows apparatuses to be coupled across different locations while maintaining acceptable performance levels appropriate for the distance.
3Productivity
If high-performance coupling mode is used for all storage control apparatuses, then maximum performance is achieved, but system cost increases due to unnecessary load on all units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary coupling mode for each apparatus's actual needs. Lower-performance apparatuses receive second coupling mode configuration rather than being forced to use first coupling mode, avoiding unnecessary load and energy consumption. Each apparatus receives exactly the performance level it needs, not more.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system has multiple disk controller (DKC) units that are coupled to one another in accordance with a coupling mode that satisfies the following (a1) through (a3): (a1)One DKC inside one DKC unit and one DKC inside another DKC unit are coupled via a second type of coupling medium that differs from the internal bus of the DKC and has a longer maximum communication distance than a first type of coupling medium, which is the same type of coupling medium as the internal bus of the DKC; (a2) the one DKC unit virtualizes a logical volume of the other DKC unit and provides this virtualized logical volume to host(s) coupled to the one DKC unit; and (a3)the other DKC unit virtualizes a logical volume of the DKC unit and provides this virtualized logical volume to host(s) coupled to the other DKC unit.