Storage Network Access Management via Volume-Specific Configuration Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage networks, the use of portsets to manage access paths to logical storage volumes is limited in granularity, leading to issues when mobility events occur, resulting in hosts being left with unoptimized paths, and manual adjustments are required, which can disrupt service and fail to maintain optimized access to all volumes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a management system that uses a configuration object to specify the set of nodes for access to a logical storage volume, allowing for non-disruptive path management at a granular level, automatically adjusting available paths during mobility events to ensure hosts have optimized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portsets are used to manage access paths to logical storage volumes, then access management is simplified, but granularity is limited and manual adjustments are required during mobility events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access management configuration by introducing volume-specific parameters (reporting nodes, ASNs, LIFs) at the logical storage volume level rather than using blanket portset configurations. This allows each volume to have customized access path definitions, enabling fine-grained control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated discovery and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts access paths during mobility events by automatically discovering new paths when logical storage volumes are reassigned to different physical storage nodes. The management entity updates configuration objects in real-time to reflect current network topology, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and maintaining optimized access paths adaptively.
2Device complexity
If static portset configurations are used, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but automatic path optimization during mobility events fails
Solution Approach 1:
The management entity implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring mobility events and automatically updating access path configurations. When a logical storage volume is reassigned to a different physical storage node, the system discovers new available paths and updates the configuration objects to reflect optimized routes, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal performance without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically discovering new access paths and updating configurations during mobility events. The management entity autonomously identifies available paths through the network, determines optimized routes, and modifies configuration objects without requiring administrator intervention, thereby maintaining both simplicity and automation.
3Extent of automation
If manual path adjustments are made during mobility events, then service disruption is accepted, but automated optimization is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring flexible access path definitions in configuration objects that can accommodate mobility events. The management entity prepares the system to automatically discover and utilize alternative paths before mobility events occur, ensuring that when reassignment happens, optimized paths are immediately available without service disruption or manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved access management techniques for storage networks are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a processor circuit and an access control component for execution by the processor circuit to select a set of hosts for which to enable access to a logical storage volume of a network storage cluster, select, from among a plurality of nodes of the network storage cluster, a set of nodes via which to enable access to the logical storage volume by the set of hosts, and generate a storage configuration object comprising a parameter identifying the set of nodes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.