Storage Controller Intelligent Logical Unit Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage network management interfaces provide limited information for effective resource management, hindering the efficient provisioning and optimization of logical units in storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage controller with a processor and memory module that collects and presents performance and availability data for logical devices, enabling intelligent logical unit provisioning through tests like OLTP and data warehouse simulations, and presenting this data to a reporting interface for informed decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing management interfaces are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the information provided for managing storage resources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that collects performance data from multiple storage devices and presents it through a unified management interface. This intermediary layer aggregates information from various sources without requiring changes to the underlying complex storage infrastructure, thus providing comprehensive management information while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The management interface is designed to provide multiple functions including performance monitoring, capacity management, and availability tracking through a single unified interface. This multi-functional approach consolidates various management tasks into one interface, providing comprehensive information without proportionally increasing interface complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive performance data collection is implemented, then better resource management decisions can be made, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage devices automatically generate and provide performance data through self-service mechanisms. Each storage device monitors its own performance metrics and makes this information available through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring systems while enabling comprehensive data collection for resource management decisions.
3Measurement precision
If detailed performance monitoring is added, then application needs can be better matched with storage capacity, but the implementation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis to establish performance baselines and capacity requirements before actual resource allocation decisions are made. By pre-collecting and analyzing performance data, the system enables informed matching of application needs with storage capacity without requiring complex real-time analysis implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a storage controller comprises a first I/O port that provides an interface to a host computer, a second I/O port that provides an interface to a storage device, a processor that receives I/O requests generated by the host computer and, in response to the I/O requests, generates and transmits I/O requests to the storage device, and a memory module communicatively connected to the processor. The memory module comprises logic instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to collect performance data and availability data for a plurality of logical devices (LDEVS) managed by the storage controller, and present the performance data and availability data to a reporting interface.