Storage Volume Path Switching for On-Premises Network Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The load on the network in an on-premises storage environment increases when cloud storage is externally connected, leading to delays in IO processing due to rebalancing within the on-premises environment without reducing the overall network load.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with on-premises and cloud storage, managed by a server, switches paths based on load conditions to distribute IO through different networks, using first and second paths for on-premises and cloud volumes, respectively, to reduce network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud storage is externally connected to on-premises storage system, then storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but network load on on-premises environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments storage paths into two distinct types: first paths through on-premises storage system and second paths directly to cloud storage. This segmentation allows IO requests to be distributed across different network paths, reducing the burden on the on-premises network infrastructure while maintaining access to cloud storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-premises storage system acts as an intermediary that manages path switching between cloud storage and on-premises storage. By controlling which path IO requests use, the system can offload traffic from the on-premises network to direct cloud paths, thereby reducing overall network load while preserving storage accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If network switch is changed to rebalance load within on-premises environment, then load distribution is improved, but overall network load is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension to load management by introducing direct cloud paths that bypass the on-premises network infrastructure. Instead of merely redistributing load within the existing network dimension, the system creates alternative paths that eliminate certain traffic from the on-premises network entirely, thereby reducing overall network load while improving distribution.
3Reliability
If multiple paths are used for cloud storage access, then storage availability is improved, but path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service path management through automated path selection and switching mechanisms. The storage system automatically determines which path (first or second) to use based on current conditions, eliminating the need for manual path configuration and management. This automation maintains high storage availability through multiple paths while reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor path conditions and automatically adjust path selection. By continuously assessing the state of different paths and switching based on current conditions, the system maintains optimal storage availability without requiring complex manual management. The feedback loop enables adaptive path management that responds to changing system conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to reduce the load on a network of a storage system in an on-premises environment to which a cloud storage is externally connected. The storage system manages first mapping information for mapping a second volume to a host via a first path and second mapping information for mapping the second volume to the host via a second path that traverses through a second network. The storage system executes path switching from the first path based on the first mapping information to the second path based on the second mapping information when a predetermined condition is satisfied.