Storage Network Path Optimization via Timestamp-Based Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage networks face performance degradation due to the accumulation of unnecessary paths, which consume computing resources and memory, as they maintain unused paths even after logical storage volumes are moved, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a path management service that uses timestamps to identify and remove unneeded remote paths by comparing their usage timestamps with those of active local paths, thereby optimizing resource allocation and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If paths are maintained for all possible storage locations, then access flexibility is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary remote paths from the system while retaining essential local paths. The path management service identifies and eliminates paths that are no longer needed after storage volume migrations, thereby reducing resource consumption while preserving access flexibility through maintained local paths and on-demand remote path creation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static path configuration to a dynamic one where paths are created and removed based on current storage volume locations. The path management service continuously monitors storage migrations and dynamically adjusts the path configuration, removing obsolete remote paths and maintaining only necessary access paths
2Reliability
If remote paths are retained after storage volume migration, then client access is maintained, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The path management service implements a feedback mechanism that monitors storage volume migrations and automatically responds by removing obsolete remote paths. The service receives notifications of storage events, analyzes current path validity, and executes path removal when appropriate, creating a closed-loop system that maintains performance while ensuring access reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing path configuration without manual intervention. The path management service autonomously identifies obsolete paths, validates their removal safety, and executes path removal, thereby maintaining system performance and client access reliability through automated path optimization
3Ease of operation
If path management is automated, then operational complexity is reduced, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path management service implements a universal solution that handles multiple storage migration scenarios and path types through a single automated mechanism. The service manages both local and remote paths, handles various storage volume migrations, and provides unified path optimization across different client configurations, reducing operational complexity while consolidating implementation complexity into a single multi-functional component
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for managing paths in a cluster environment. The cluster environment receives a request from a client to access a logical storage volume via a selected one of a plurality of paths defined for the logical storage volume. In response to an access of the logical storage volume via one of the paths, the cluster environment updates a timestamp for the respective path that corresponds to a time of the access via the respective path. Subsequently, the cluster environment determines a remote path defined for the logical storage volume that can be removed based upon comparing a timestamp for the selected path with a timestamp for the remote path.