Multi-Layered Storage Protocol Testing Module Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage protocol conformance testing systems lack reusability across different storage protocols and variations, requiring distinct test systems for each protocol, which hinders the development of efficient and adaptable testing methodologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered architecture storage protocol testing module that includes a protocol server interface layer, a specific protocol layer, and a traffic generator/retriever layer, allowing clients to create and execute storage protocol conformance tests across various storage protocols by facilitating communication and exchange of test instructions and results between a storage protocol test server and storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate test systems are developed for each storage protocol, then testing accuracy and protocol-specific compliance are improved, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test system architecture that can test multiple storage protocols (Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI, iSCSI) through a single platform. The system uses protocol-specific interface layers that can be selectively activated based on the target protocol, allowing one test system to perform functions previously requiring separate dedicated systems for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is divided into distinct modular layers: a protocol-independent core test engine and protocol-specific interface layers. This segmentation allows the core functionality to remain reusable across protocols while accommodating protocol-specific requirements through separate, interchangeable interface components.
2Reliability
If dedicated test systems are created for each storage protocol variation, then testing reliability and protocol compliance are improved, but productivity and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal testing platform that maintains high reliability for each protocol through protocol-specific interface layers while improving productivity by eliminating the need to develop separate test systems for each protocol variation. The reusable core engine significantly reduces development time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured protocol-specific interface layers and test case templates that are prepared in advance for different storage protocols. These preliminary configurations allow rapid deployment of reliable protocol-specific testing without requiring extensive customization or redevelopment for each protocol.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized testing framework is implemented across different storage protocols, then reusability and ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to protocol-specific nuances may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The architecture segments the testing framework into a standardized protocol-independent core that provides ease of operation and reusability, and protocol-specific interface layers that provide adaptability to protocol nuances. This segmentation allows the standardized framework to be easily operated while maintaining the ability to adapt to specific protocol requirements through the interchangeable interface layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol-specific interface layers act as intermediaries between the standardized core test engine and the various storage protocols. These intermediary layers translate protocol-specific requirements into the standardized testing framework, maintaining both reusability of the core system and adaptability to protocol-specific nuances.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage protocol test server interfaced with a storage device and a client includes a multi-layered architecture for testing a conformance of the storage device to a storage protocol as dictated by the client. The layers operate to participate in a test case session between the server and the client to facilitate a communication of test case information from the client to the server, the test case information specifying elements for testing the conformance of the storage device to the storage protocol. Additionally, the layers operate to create a storage protocol conformance test based on the test case information received from the client, the test being specifically designed for testing the conformance of the storage device to the storage protocol, and to participate in a test session between the server and the storage device to facilitate an exchange of test instructions and test results in accordance with the test.