Storage Control Software for Unrecognized Logical Volume Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup systems face challenges in managing a large number of logical volumes, leading to insufficient resources for recognition, making it difficult to conduct backup operations on all volumes, especially when resources for logical volume recognition are limited.
Innovation Solution
A storage device control method that allows the host computer to operate on unrecognized volumes by transferring control commands from recognized volumes, using storage control software to select the appropriate recognized volume as the control command destination and specifying the unrecognized volume in the command field, enabling the disk control device to execute the command on the unrecognized volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of logical volumes is increased to provide sufficient storage capacity, then the storage area capacity is improved, but the resources for logical volume recognition become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the storage control software acts as a mediator between the host computer and unrecognized logical volumes. The software translates control commands intended for unrecognized volumes into commands that can be executed through recognized volumes, enabling the host to indirectly control volumes it cannot directly recognize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a copying approach where control command information is copied from recognized volumes to unrecognized volumes. The storage control software creates a mapping relationship that allows control commands issued to recognized volumes to be replicated and executed on unrecognized volumes, thereby extending control capability without requiring direct recognition of each volume.
2Ease of operation
If only recognized volumes are used for backup operations, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the storage area capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the storage control software to handle both recognized and unrecognized volumes through a unified control mechanism. The software can selectively translate control commands for different volume types, allowing the same backup operation interface to work across the entire storage capacity regardless of volume recognition status.
3Quantity of substance
If unrecognized volumes are used to increase storage capacity, then the storage area capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage control software serves as an intermediary layer that abstracts the complexity of unrecognized volumes from the host computer. By translating control commands and managing the mapping between recognized and unrecognized volumes, the software hides the underlying complexity while presenting a simplified interface for backup operations.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of logical volumes is increased, then the storage area capacity is improved, but the operational complexity for maintaining data consistency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage control software acts as an intermediary that manages data consistency across both recognized and unrecognized volumes. It maintains mapping relationships and coordination information that simplify the operation of maintaining consistency across the expanded volume set, reducing the operational burden on the host computer.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device control method for operating a logical volume to which a control command cannot be issued directly from a host computer is provided. The host computer manages a storage device. The storage device includes a disk device which provides logical volumes and a disk control device which controls the disk device. The host computer issues a control command to a recognized volume in the disk control device. The disk control device operates a recognized volume which is an issue destination of the control command or an unrecognized volume contained in the control command. A logical volume to which the control command is to be issued from the host computer is determined by using definition information (a disk information table, a copy pair information table, or a copy group information table) concerning copy operation retained by storage control software which operates on the host computer.