Storage Server Metadata Sharing via Partner Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage servers are unable to access configuration metadata from a storage array during system initialization due to an out-of-service storage adapter, which hinders proper communication and data management.
Innovation Solution
A system where storage servers can retrieve and share configuration metadata with each other via a pair of storage adapters, using a host interface, storage adapter interface, and partner server interface, even if one adapter is out-of-service, facilitating communication through mail and DMA channels to ensure data storage and retrieval operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage server attempts to access configuration metadata during system initialization, then the storage server can be properly configured, but the access is blocked due to an out-of-service storage adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partner storage server as an intermediary to transfer configuration metadata when the primary storage adapter is out-of-service. The operational storage server retrieves configuration metadata from the storage array and transfers it to the storage server with the failed adapter, enabling successful configuration despite the adapter failure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a storage adapter fails during system initialization, then the storage server cannot retrieve configuration metadata, but the system still needs to be configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the operational storage server retrieve and cache configuration metadata before the failed storage server needs it. The system proactively prepares the configuration data through the working adapter, so when the failed server needs configuration, the data is already available through the partner server interface.
3Productivity
If one storage adapter is out-of-service, then the connected storage server is blocked from accessing the storage array, but the other storage server should be able to compensate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capabilities of both storage servers by enabling the operational storage server to perform configuration retrieval and act as a proxy for the failed storage server. The partner server interface combines the functions of both servers, allowing one to compensate for the other's failure and maintain system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one version of the present invention, a system to configure a storage server despite an out-of-service storage adapter includes a storage array and a pair of storage servers connected to the storage array via a corresponding pair of storage adapters. The storage servers may be configured to retrieve configuration metadata from the storage array during a system initialization sequence and communicate the configuration metadata to the other storage server in case one of the storage servers is blocked from accessing the storage array due to an out-of-service storage adapter. The storage servers may also be configured to share a processing load despite the out-of-service storage adapter. The configuration metadata may include a variety of definitions and control parameters such as rank definitions, volume definitions, logical subsystem definitions, mirroring parameters, remote archiving parameters, a rank segment table, and page pointer data.