Storage Controller Load Distribution for Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage apparatuses face delays and performance degradation in configuration management processing due to inappropriate processor core selection for request distribution, especially when configuration management request data and response data are large and I/O processing load is high.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with multiple controllers, each having multiple processors, utilizes an integration unit and shared memory to calculate estimated processing time for configuration management requests, distributing them based on load information and processor load, ensuring optimal processor allocation for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If processor cores are set for exclusive use for priority processing, then I/O processing delay is prevented, but configuration management processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processor allocation where the integration unit determines processor assignment based on real-time request types and current processor load states. Configuration management requests are dynamically assigned to processors that are not currently handling I/O requests, rather than using static exclusive allocation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize processor usage based on actual workload conditions, preventing I/O delays while maintaining configuration management speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processor cores are set for exclusive use for priority processing, then processing priority is achieved, but response performance of configuration management processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the integration unit continuously monitors processor load states and request types. Based on this feedback, the integration unit makes intelligent decisions about processor allocation. When configuration management requests arrive, the system checks current processor states and assigns requests to appropriate processors, ensuring both priority handling and maintained response performance through informed, adaptive decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration management processing is performed frequently during operation, then system adaptability is improved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of processor states before assigning configuration management requests. The integration unit evaluates current processor loads and identifies suitable processors in advance, then assigns requests to those processors. This preliminary action prevents processing delays by proactively selecting appropriate processors before the actual configuration management task begins, allowing frequent operations without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus includes: a plurality of controllers, each of which has a plurality of processors for processing requests; a storage device coupled to the controller; an integration unit that integrally controls the plurality of controllers; and a shared memory that can be accessed from each processor for the plurality of controllers and stores configuration information of the storage apparatus including load information of each processor. The integration unit: calculates estimated processing time of a configuration management request, which has been accepted from a management apparatus, from a request type and a target resource type of the configuration management request; and distributes the configuration management request to a plurality of distribution requests on the basis of the load information of each processor acquired from the shared memory and the estimated processing time, determines a distribution destination processor for processing each of the plurality of distribution requests.