Storage Controller Migration Logic for Seamless Hardware Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage system upgrades face challenges in transitioning control logic post-upgrade, especially when new hardware with enhanced capabilities like powerful CPUs or hardware offload engines is introduced, as existing solutions do not provide methods for determining the start of application of such logic without interruption and may lead to performance and redundancy issues due to limited storage controller connections.
Innovation Solution
A storage system configuration that allows for the coexistence of old and new storage controllers during the upgrade process, with a method to determine whether configuration migration occurs directly or via another controller based on the number of mounted controllers, ensuring uninterrupted operation and maintaining redundancy by dynamically managing controller connections and control logic switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the storage controller is replaced with a new one having enhanced capabilities, then the processing power and functionality are improved, but the control logic compatibility and system continuity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control logic into two distinct parts: common control logic that is compatible across both old and new storage controllers, and new control logic that leverages the enhanced capabilities of the new hardware. This segmentation allows the system to adopt new hardware with improved processing power while maintaining compatibility through the common control logic portion, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing power improvement and control logic compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage controller is updated to new hardware, then the hardware capabilities are improved, but the upgrade interruption and downtime are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing the new storage controller with the common control logic in advance before the actual upgrade. The new controller is pre-configured with compatible control logic that can immediately take over from the old controller, enabling a seamless transition without system interruption. This preliminary preparation eliminates upgrade downtime while allowing the system to benefit from enhanced hardware capabilities.
3Device complexity
If the number of storage controllers is limited by hardware constraints, then the system complexity is reduced, but the redundancy and performance are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the common control logic to be universally compatible across different storage controller hardware generations. This universal control logic layer allows the system to maintain redundancy and performance benefits of multiple controllers while managing system complexity through a standardized, multi-functional control approach that works across hardware constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes: a storage drive having a storage medium storing a data; and a plurality of storage control units having a processor, a memory, and a port to process the data input and output to and from the storage drive, in which information related to a list of the storage control units mounted on the storage system and a maximum number of the storage control units that can be mounted on the storage system is allowed to be stored, and in which, when the storage control unit is replaced, it is determined whether the configuration to be migrated from the storage control unit to be reduced to the storage control unit to be added is migrated directly or via another storage control unit based on the number of the mounted storage control units and the maximum number of the storage control units that can be mounted.