Storage Node Port Pair Selection to Avoid Inter-Switch Link Latency

Solution Overview

Problem

Storage networks face inefficiencies due to the presence of less desirable network paths that introduce additional latency and congestion, particularly those using inter-switch links (ISLs), which can lead to suboptimal performance and increased bandwidth usage.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method where storage nodes and network switching devices discover port addresses, select and record less desirable port pairs, and dynamically switch to alternative paths to avoid less desirable network paths, thereby optimizing communication routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inter-switch links (ISLs) are introduced to add redundancy to the storage network, then network reliability is improved, but less desirable network paths are introduced that increase latency and congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by designating certain ports as 'less desirable' before network traffic occurs. Network switching devices proactively identify and mark inter-switch link ports that are likely to create suboptimal paths, so that when traffic needs to be routed, these ports are already known and can be avoided in the routing decision process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where network switching devices monitor network conditions and transmit less desirable notices to storage nodes. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically adjust routing decisions based on observed traffic patterns and conditions, preventing congestion on ISLs while maintaining the redundancy benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If inter-switch links (ISLs) are introduced to add redundancy to the storage network, then network reliability is improved, but network congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by designating certain ports as 'less desirable' before network traffic occurs. Network switching devices proactively identify and mark inter-switch link ports that are likely to create suboptimal paths, so that when traffic needs to be routed, these ports are already known and can be avoided in the routing decision process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where network switching devices monitor network conditions and transmit less desirable notices to storage nodes. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically adjust routing decisions based on observed traffic patterns and conditions, preventing congestion on ISLs while maintaining the redundancy benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If storage nodes select port pairs without considering path desirability, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting decision complexityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by designating certain ports as 'less desirable' before network traffic occurs. Network switching devices proactively identify and mark inter-switch link ports that are likely to create suboptimal paths, so that when traffic needs to be routed, these ports are already known and can be avoided in the routing decision process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where network switching devices monitor network conditions and transmit less desirable notices to storage nodes. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically adjust routing decisions based on observed traffic patterns and conditions, preventing congestion on ISLs while maintaining the redundancy benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9544191B2System and method for improved communication in a storage network

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A system and method of improved communication in a storage network includes a storage node. The storage node includes a control unit and a plurality of local ports coupled to the control unit and configured to couple the storage node to a storage network. The control unit is configured to discover port addresses of other storage nodes in the storage network, select a first port pair including a first source port selected from the local ports and a first destination port selected from remote ports associated with the port addresses of a first one of the other storage nodes, open a first connection between the first source port and the first destination port, determine whether a less desirable notice associated with the first port pair is received, and when the less desirable notice is received, record the first port pair as being less desirable.