Storage System Disk Array Recovery via Boot Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face inefficiencies and high costs when recovering from multiple failed system disks, as existing RAID levels cannot recover data effectively, leading to complete data loss and system reset.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the performance deterioration degree of disk arrays and set boot information to skip or create disk arrays during the boot process, allowing for selective recovery and initialization of new disks, thereby preventing complete data loss and system reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RAID redundancy is used to protect system disk data, then data loss from single disk failure is prevented, but the system cannot recover when multiple system disks fail and must be reset to factory default
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating backup images of system disks before failures occur and storing them in safe locations. When disk failures happen, these pre-prepared backups enable rapid restoration without factory reset, resolving the contradiction between having strong RAID protection and maintaining recovery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the recovery parameter from 'factory default reset' to 'customizable restoration'. By allowing selective restoration of different system disk components and choosing from multiple backup versions, the system transforms the rigid recovery process into a flexible one that adapts to various failure scenarios.
2Ease of repair
If system disks are returned to manufacturers for re-mirroring to initial state, then system disk recovery is achieved, but all data in the array is lost and system returns to out-of-factory default state
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of returning disks to manufacturers for re-mirroring, the system creates and uses digital copies (backup images) of the system disks. These copies can be restored to replaced disks, enabling recovery without losing user data or requiring factory default reset, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup images in advance and stores them in safe locations before failures occur. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when disk failures happen, there are ready-made copies available for restoration, preventing data loss and eliminating the need for manufacturer intervention.
3Reliability
If complete system reset is performed after multiple disk failures, then system can be restored to working state, but recovery time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming backup creation and verification actions before failures occur. When multiple disk failures happen, the pre-prepared backup images can be quickly restored, reducing recovery time from days (manufacturer re-mirroring) to hours or minutes, thus resolving the contradiction between system reliability and recovery time.
4Ease of repair
If manufacturer re-mirroring service is used for failed system disks, then disks are restored to initial state, but costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting disk failures, locating appropriate backup images, and restoring data without requiring manufacturer intervention. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming manufacturer re-mirroring services, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and recovery efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of facilitating recovering a storage system, the storage system comprising a plurality of system disks for storing system information of the storage system, and at least one array associated with the plurality of system disks to manage the plurality of system disks, the method comprising: in response to failure of at least one system disk in the plurality of system disks, determining a performance deterioration degree of the at least one disk array; and in response to the performance deterioration degree of the at least one disk array being a first level, setting boot information of the one disk away to a first value, where the first value indicates skipping creation of the one disk array during a booting process of the storage system.