Storage Management Daemon Supporting NVMe and TCP Array Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage management systems are limited in their ability to seamlessly migrate to new data center technologies due to a lack of support for multiple protocols, restricting the use of advanced array control devices like NVMe and TCP connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system and method that enables Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) devices and TCP connections to be used as array control devices, alongside multiple protocol support in the management software infrastructure, allowing for the integration of these new technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage management system uses a single protocol for array control devices, then the system structure remains simple and easy to manage, but the system cannot support new data center technologies like NVMe and TCP connections
Solution Approach 1:
The management daemon is enhanced to provide a universal interface that can handle multiple array control device protocols (SCSI, NVMe, TCP) through a single unified entry point. This allows the system to support diverse protocols without requiring separate management pathways for each protocol type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The management daemon acts as an intermediary layer between the management application and the diverse array control devices. It receives management operations from the application, determines the appropriate protocol based on the target device, and routes the operation through the suitable protocol handler. This mediator approach allows protocol diversity without forcing complexity up to the management application layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system integrates multiple protocol support for NVMe and TCP connections, then seamless migration to new technologies is enabled, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array control device management functionality is segmented into distinct protocol-specific handlers (SCSI handler, NVMe handler, TCP handler) that operate independently within the management daemon. Each handler is responsible for a specific protocol type, allowing the system to integrate multiple protocols without creating complex interdependencies. This modular segmentation enables technology migration by allowing individual protocol handlers to be added or removed as needed.
3Reliability
If the management application directly communicates with diverse array control devices using different protocols, then protocol-specific optimization is achieved, but the ease of operation and system management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The management daemon serves as an intermediary that abstracts the protocol diversity from the management application. The application interacts with a unified management interface that presents consistent operations regardless of the underlying protocol. The daemon then translates these unified operations into protocol-specific commands, maintaining reliability through optimized protocol handlers while preserving ease of operation through the unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Management applications (hosts) implement management operations on a storage system by passing system calls (syscalls) to a management system. In some embodiments, all management traffic is passed from one or more instances of a management application to a management daemon executing in the context of the storage system operating system. The management daemon sorts syscalls received from the management applications and implements the syscalls using one or more array control devices. The array control devices are special target devices configured on external control hosts for sending management commands to the storage system operating system and receiving information from the storage system. In some embodiments, Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) devices to be used as array control devices, and enable TCP connections to be used as logical array control devices. Adding multiple protocol support in the existing management software infrastructure enables users to seamlessly migrate to the new data center technologies.