Quarantining Storage Operating System via Removable Memory Partitioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems face challenges in managing and distributing storage operating system updates, particularly due to the risk of corruption during installation and limited capacity of on-board EPROMs, which can lead to non-operational configurations and data integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a partitionable removable nonvolatile memory device, such as compact flash or a PC card, to store and distribute storage operating system copies, allowing for safe kernel upgrades and configuration changes by copying the last known good kernel and setting boot variables to ensure system integrity during upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the storage operating system is stored on on-board EPROM, then the system has fixed storage capacity, but the capacity is too limited to hold entire copies of the storage operating system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidexternal memory device

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the storage operating system from the on-board EPROM and relocates it to an external removable nonvolatile memory device. This extraction resolves the capacity limitation by providing access to larger storage space on the external device while maintaining the simplicity of the on-board storage for critical system functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a boot mechanism as an intermediary layer between the on-board EPROM and the external removable memory device. The boot mechanism loads the storage operating system from the external device into memory, mediating between the limited on-board storage and the larger external storage to enable the system to utilize both resources effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the storage operating system is installed from removable media or downloaded, then distribution flexibility is improved, but the risk of corruption during installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution flexibilityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a boot mechanism that executes preliminary actions before the storage operating system is fully installed or updated. The boot mechanism loads and verifies the new storage operating system from the removable media, allowing validation and testing before committing to the installation, thereby reducing the risk of corruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protective layer through the boot mechanism that cushions against potential corruption during installation. The boot mechanism can verify integrity, rollback to previous versions, or prevent booting of corrupted systems, providing beforehand protection against data integrity issues during flexible distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the kernel is upgraded in-place, then update speed is improved, but the risk of power loss causing non-operational configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidsystem operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a copying mechanism where the boot mechanism creates and manages copies of the storage operating system kernel. Instead of in-place updates, the system copies the new kernel to memory or temporary storage, verifies its integrity, and then switches to it. This copying approach maintains fast updates while providing protection against power loss through verification and rollback capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Device complexity

If on-board EPROM is used for storage, then device simplicity is maintained, but the storage capacity is insufficient for modern operating systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage architectureVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the on-board EPROM multi-functional by using it for both storing critical boot information and serving as a controller for external removable memory devices. This universal usage allows the simple on-board EPROM to effectively manage and access the large capacity of external storage, resolving the capacity limitation without increasing the complexity of the on-board device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7562208B1Method and system to quarantine system software and configuration

Publication Date: 2009.07.14 NETAPP INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a system and method to quarantine in the storage operating system and configuration information in which the storage operating system is stored in a designated partition on a removable nonvolatile memory device, such as a compact flash or a personal computer (PC) card that is interfaced with a motherboard of a filer system server. By providing for separate partitions, a failure or error arising during an upgrade to the storage operating system will not corrupt the other partitions.