Automated Host Object Creation for Stretched Volume Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing and accessing data across multiple hosts and data storage systems, particularly in configuring stretched volumes for synchronous replication and ensuring optimal path selection for I/O operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring a stretched volume using two data storage systems, exposing them as a single logical volume over multiple paths, and using initiator sets to manage access control, allowing hosts to access the stretched volume by creating and mapping host objects on both systems, and optimizing path states for I/O operations based on ALUA standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of host objects and access control on each data storage system is performed, then access control precision can be maintained, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering initiators and pre-configuring host objects on both data storage systems before the actual volume mapping operation. This includes discovering initiators through login attempts, creating host objects with appropriate access control lists, and establishing the foundation for subsequent volume mappings, thereby reducing the time required for the main configuration task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the data storage systems automatically perform initiator discovery, host object creation, and access control configuration without requiring manual intervention. The systems autonomously manage the configuration process by detecting initiators, creating appropriate host objects, and setting up access control lists based on the discovered initiators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stretched volumes are exposed to multiple hosts simultaneously, then system versatility and resource sharing improve, but determining and managing uniform host connectivity becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal host object model that can represent and manage connectivity to multiple data storage systems uniformly. A single host object can encapsulate initiators that connect to multiple different data storage systems, providing a unified interface for managing diverse storage resources and enabling consistent access control policies across heterogeneous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The host object serves as an intermediary layer between the initiators and the stretched volumes on multiple data storage systems. This intermediary abstraction simplifies connectivity management by providing a unified representation of host access rights across different storage systems, eliminating the need for direct management of complex multi-system connectivity relationships.
3Ease of operation
If automatic initiator discovery and host object creation is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but the processing steps and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage systems perform automatic initiator discovery and host object creation as self-service operations. When a volume mapping request is received, the system autonomously discovers initiators through login attempts, creates appropriate host objects with access control lists, and configures the necessary permissions without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the user operation while the system handles the complex processing internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions of initiator discovery and host object creation automatically as part of the volume mapping process. These preliminary steps include detecting initiators through login attempts, creating host objects with appropriate access control lists, and preparing the configuration foundation before the actual volume mapping occurs, making the overall operation easier for users.
4Productivity
If paths are optimized based on ALUA standards for I/O operations, then I/O performance improves, but path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic path management based on ALUA (Asymmetric Logical Unit Access) standards, where path states can change between optimized and non-optimized based on current operational conditions. The system dynamically determines which paths should be optimized for I/O operations and adjusts path states accordingly, allowing for flexible performance optimization while managing complexity through standardized state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Configuring systems to provide host access may include: configuring a stretched volume; and performing processing that allows the host access to the stretched volume. The processing may include: receiving a first command to create a first host object for access control for the host in the first data storage system; in response to receiving the first command, performing first processing including: creating the first host object that includes an initiator set of the host; and creating a second host object on the second data storage system, wherein the second host object includes the initiator set and specifies access control in the second data storage system for the host; receiving a second command to map the stretched volume to the first host object; and in response to receiving the second command, granting the host access to the stretched volume on the first data storage system and the second data storage system.