Storage Port Information Management for Optimal Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing environments with multiple storage systems and hosts, the selection of optimal paths for data access is hindered by incomplete port information, especially during data migration or when new storage systems are introduced, leading to potential access over non-optimal or inactive paths, and the processing of numerous path status requests is resource-intensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A port information management system is implemented to collect and merge port information from multiple storage systems, providing subsets of this information to hosts for path selection, thereby overcoming the limitations of incomplete data and reducing resource usage through centralized management and zoning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hosts process numerous path status requests to obtain complete port information, then path selection accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A management system is introduced as an intermediary between hosts and storage systems. The management system collects port information from multiple storage systems and provides it to hosts in response to queries, eliminating the need for hosts to directly process numerous path status requests and reducing system complexity while maintaining path selection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The management system proactively collects and consolidates port information from multiple storage systems in advance, storing it in a structured format. When hosts need path status information, the pre-collected data is already available, reducing the need for repeated queries and lowering resource consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If hosts access storage systems with incomplete port information, then resource usage is reduced, but data access performance deteriorates due to selection of non-optimal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The management system acts as an intermediary that provides hosts with accurate and complete port information about multiple storage systems. This enables hosts to select optimal paths for data access without excessive resource consumption, as the management system efficiently consolidates and provides the necessary information
3Adaptability or versatility
If new storage systems are introduced or data migration occurs, then system versatility is improved, but port information completeness deteriorates temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The management system continuously and proactively collects port information from all storage systems in the environment, including newly introduced ones. This preliminary collection ensures that when data migration or new system integration occurs, the port information is already available and complete, preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The management system implements a feedback mechanism where storage systems report their port information to the management system, which maintains an updated view of the entire storage environment. This feedback loop ensures that port information remains complete and accurate even as the system evolves with new storage systems and data migrations
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a management system receives, from a first storage system, first port information of ports in the first storage system, and receives, from a second storage system, second port information of ports in a second storage system. The management system merges the first port information from the first storage system and the second port information from the second storage system into merged port information. The management system receives, from the first storage system, a request for port information of ports in the second storage system, and sends, to the first storage system, the second port information for use in path selection from hosts to the first and second storage systems.