Storage Processor Routing via Direct Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods with multiple storage processors for diagnostic testing are expensive and not easily expandable, as they require multiple Ethernet ports on the client device for each storage processor system.
Innovation Solution
A system where each storage processor system includes a first processor and a peer processor, with the client device connected to both, allowing commands to be routed between processors if the initial processor is not the correct destination, reducing the need for multiple client device connections and expanding capabilities without increasing Ethernet ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple Ethernet ports are used on the client device for each storage processor system, then communication reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The client device's single Ethernet port is made universal by implementing a routing mechanism that allows it to communicate with multiple storage processor systems sequentially. The port serves multiple functions by dynamically routing commands to different destination addresses, eliminating the need for dedicated ports for each storage processor while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that mediates between the client device and multiple storage processor systems. This routing layer directs commands to the appropriate destination address, allowing a single client port to effectively communicate with multiple storage processors without requiring multiple physical ports on the client device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Ethernet ports are used on the client device for each storage processor system, then communication capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device's Ethernet port is designed to be multi-functional, handling communication with any number of storage processor systems through dynamic address routing. This universal approach maintains full communication capability while using a single port, thereby reducing hardware costs and avoiding the need to purchase multiple Ethernet ports.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically copying multiple Ethernet ports on the client device, the patent creates a logical copy through software-based routing. The routing mechanism replicates the functionality of multiple ports through a single physical port by dynamically directing traffic to different destination addresses, maintaining versatility without increasing hardware cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of storage processor systems is increased, then system functionality is improved, but the number of required client connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device's connection is made universal through dynamic address routing, allowing a single connection to serve multiple storage processor systems. As the system expands to include more storage processors, the routing mechanism automatically directs commands to the appropriate destination addresses, maintaining system functionality without requiring additional client connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic address routing that adapts to system expansion. As new storage processor systems are added, the routing mechanism dynamically adjusts to direct commands to the new destinations. This dynamic approach allows the system to scale functionality without increasing the number of physical connections required on the client device.
4Speed
If direct connections are made to each storage processor, then communication speed is improved, but the number of physical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing mechanism acts as an intermediary that maintains direct communication paths to multiple storage processors while presenting a single connection interface to the client device. Commands are routed directly to the appropriate storage processor through the routing layer, preserving communication speed while eliminating the need for multiple physical connections on the client device.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that provides efficient expansion capability of a storage unit under test including multiple storage processors and reduces a number of required Ethernet ports on a client device and a reduced number of physical connections on the client device. A first processor and a peer processor of a storage processor system may be coupled to counterpart processors on one or more other storage processor systems using direct port-to-port connections and/or using a network infrastructure. A command from the client device may be passed among first processors and peer processors of the multiple storage processor systems until the correct destination processor for the command is reached, and data packets may be passed from a source processor of a storage processor system through processors of other storage processor systems until the client device is reached.