Storage Controller Load Equalization via Dynamic Volume Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage controllers with multiple processors, load concentration on specific controllers leads to reduced data I/O processing performance, especially during data copying between logical volumes, as different controllers allocated to primary and secondary volumes need to communicate, increasing loads and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A storage controller with multiple control units, a load monitor, and a changer unit that dynamically reallocates control units to equalize loads by monitoring load states and shifting logical volumes between control units, preventing load concentration and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data copying is performed between logical volumes allocated to different controllers, then data redundancy is achieved, but communication overhead increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for primary and secondary logical volumes into a single controller. By allocating both copy-source and copy-destination logical volumes to the same controller, the system eliminates inter-controller communication overhead while maintaining data redundancy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally handle multiple functions including data I/O processing, copy processing, and load management within a single control unit. This multi-functionality allows the same controller to manage both primary and secondary volumes without requiring specialized dedicated controllers.
2Ease of operation
If logical volumes are allocated to specific controllers, then data I/O processing is simplified, but load concentration occurs on specific controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by enabling flexible reallocation of logical volumes between controllers. The load management unit monitors controller loads and dynamically changes allocations to balance workloads, transforming the static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The load management unit continuously monitors the load states of controllers and uses this feedback information to make informed allocation decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect load imbalances and trigger reallocation actions to restore optimal load distribution.
3Productivity
If multiple controllers are provided for data I/O processing, then processing capacity is increased, but communication overhead increases during copy operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for primary and secondary logical volumes into a single controller. By allocating both copy-source and copy-destination logical volumes to the same controller, the system eliminates inter-controller communication overhead while maintaining data redundancy functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to provide a storage controller and control method that can efficiently and easily prevent reduced data I/O processing performance due to an imbalance between loads on controllers. In the storage controller and control method for providing, to a host computer, logical volumes created in a storage area provided by a storage device and controlling data I/O to/from the logical volumes, the state of loads on the control units for controlling data I/O to/from the logical volumes is monitored, and a control unit allocated to a logical volume is changed to another control unit to equalize loads on the control units.