Storage Discovery Filtering by Configuration Domain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing target discovery functionality in software-defined storage systems using advanced protocols like NVMe-oF or NVMe/TCP is complex and burdensome due to the need for continuous maintenance and updates of substantial discovery information.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a processor configured to receive a configuration domain identifier, establish a filtering instance, and automatically filter discovery information for delivery to hosts based on specified domains, reducing complexity and maintenance burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional target discovery functionality is implemented using advanced storage access protocols (NVMe-oF, NVMe/TCP), then storage system capability and protocol compatibility are improved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase due to substantial amounts of discovery information requiring continuous updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic discovery information into configuration domain-specific subsets. Each configuration domain (e.g., production, test, development) maintains its own filtered discovery information, allowing hosts to receive only relevant data for their specific domain. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by dividing the large discovery information space into manageable, domain-specific portions that can be independently maintained and updated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different discovery information to different hosts based on their specific configuration domains. Rather than uniformly providing all discovery information to all hosts, the system tailors the discovery information to each host's domain requirements. This localized approach ensures that each host receives precisely the information it needs, reducing unnecessary data processing and maintenance overhead while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive discovery information is provided to all hosts, then complete system visibility and information availability are improved, but information processing overhead and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-filtering discovery information according to configuration domains before delivery to hosts. The storage system proactively organizes and tags discovery information by configuration domain, so that when a host requests discovery information, the filtering has already been performed. This eliminates the need for hosts to process and filter large volumes of unnecessary information, significantly reducing information processing time while ensuring complete availability of relevant discovery information.
3Reliability
If discovery information is continuously updated to reflect system changes, then information accuracy and system state synchronization are improved, but maintenance effort and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments discovery information maintenance tasks by configuration domain. When system changes occur, only the affected configuration domain's discovery information needs to be updated, rather than refreshing all discovery information across the entire system. This segmented maintenance approach improves accuracy by ensuring targeted updates to relevant domains while reducing maintenance effort through localized update operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by implementing automated filtering mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. The storage system automatically maintains and updates discovery information filtered by configuration domains, with the filtering instance autonomously managing the separation and delivery of domain-specific information. This automation reduces maintenance burden while ensuring continuous accuracy of discovery information across all configuration domains.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one processing device that includes a processor coupled to a memory. The at least one processing device is configured to receive a command providing a configuration domain identifier specifying a corresponding one of a plurality of configuration domains of a storage system, to establish a configuration domain filtering instance in the storage system responsive to the received command, and to automatically filter discovery information for delivery from the storage system to at least one host in accordance with the established configuration domain filtering instance. For example, establishing a configuration domain filtering instance in the storage system responsive to the received command illustratively comprises activating a configuration domain filtering feature of the storage system, utilizing the provided at least one configuration domain identifier, for subsequent provision of filtered discovery information from a target of the storage system to an initiator of a given host.