Storage Node Protocol Transition in SDS Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
When changing the communication protocol in a Software Defined Storage (SDS) system, existing methods fail to ensure continuous I/O functions as they cannot handle mixed communication protocols between nodes, leading to communication failures and infeasible I/O provision.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a control node and multiple storage nodes, where the control node manages the transition of all storage nodes to a new communication protocol, ensuring seamless communication by testing and switching protocols without interrupting I/O operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage control program is changed to use a new communication protocol on some nodes while remaining nodes use the old protocol, then I/O performance can be improved on upgraded nodes, but communication between nodes fails due to protocol incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having all storage nodes download and prepare the new storage control program before actually switching protocols. The control node distributes the new program to all nodes in advance, ensuring they are ready to switch simultaneously, which prevents communication failures that would occur with partial upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol switching process is executed periodically or in discrete phases rather than continuously. The system switches all nodes from the old protocol to the new protocol in a coordinated manner, maintaining protocol consistency throughout the SDS system during each phase, thus avoiding the communication failures that occur when nodes operate on different protocols simultaneously.
2Reliability
If all storage nodes switch to the new communication protocol simultaneously, then communication reliability is maintained, but I/O functions are interrupted during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The switching process is segmented into distinct phases: preparation phase where nodes download the new program, execution phase where all nodes switch protocols simultaneously, and resumption phase where I/O functions are restored. This segmentation allows the system to maintain I/O continuity by carefully managing when protocol switching occurs and when I/O operations are suspended or restored.
3Productivity
If the storage control program is changed incrementally on individual nodes, then I/O functions continue to be provided, but communication failures occur due to mixed protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the protocol switching operations of all storage nodes into a single coordinated action. Rather than allowing individual nodes to switch protocols independently, the control node synchronizes the switching process across all nodes, ensuring they all transition to the new protocol together, which prevents communication failures caused by protocol mismatches between nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
When a communication protocol is changed, the I/O function can be appropriately provided. In a computer system, a storage node includes a CPU and a storage control program that performs communication relating to data I/O. The storage control program has a first storage control program that is capable of using a first communication protocol, and a second storage control program that is capable of using the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. The control node the control node causes, when any storage node of the plurality of storage nodes is capable of executing the first storage control program alone, all storage nodes to perform communication using the first communication protocol. The control node causes, after all storage nodes of the plurality of storage nodes are enabled to execute the second storage control program, the all storage nodes to perform communication using the second communication protocol.