Switch Fabric Virtual Array Partitioning for Non-Disruptive Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for partitioning storage arrays into virtual arrays are complex and expensive, operating only at the storage array level, and lack a simple, cost-effective means to present virtual arrays to host systems and migrate data between them.
Innovation Solution
A method of migrating data from a source storage array to multiple destination storage arrays transparently through a switch, where the source array is divided into multiple virtual arrays and each destination array is partitioned into virtual arrays, with connection information, management information, and metadata transferred to maintain uninterrupted host communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data migration is performed at the storage array level using traditional methods, then data can be migrated between storage arrays, but the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch fabric as an intermediary component between storage arrays and host systems. The switch fabric handles virtual array partitioning and data migration operations, acting as a mediator that simplifies the complexity from the storage array level to the network level. This allows data migration to be performed through switch-based virtualization rather than complex array-level operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the partitioning functionality from the traditional storage array dimension to the network switch dimension. By implementing virtual arrays at the switch fabric level rather than at the storage array level, the system creates a new dimensional approach to data migration that decouples partitioning complexity from the storage arrays themselves.
2Reliability
If storage arrays are partitioned into virtual arrays at the array level, then exclusive access can be provided to hosts, but the partitioning process becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switch fabric serves as an intermediary that implements virtual array partitioning and access control. Instead of requiring complex partitioning mechanisms within each storage array, the switch fabric handles the virtualization and access control functions, providing exclusive host access to specific virtual arrays while simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If data migration is performed traditionally between storage arrays, then data can be moved, but host communication experiences downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous host communication during data migration by maintaining active connections through the switch fabric. The virtual array infrastructure allows data to be migrated between storage arrays while hosts continue to access data through the switched network without interruption, ensuring continuous useful action during the migration process.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a system and method of migrating data stored logical units of storage (LUNs) at a source storage array to a plurality of destination storage arrays transparently with respect to a host in communication with the source storage array through a switch. The source storage array is divided into a plurality of source virtual arrays including a first source virtual array and a second source virtual array. Each destination storage array is divided into one or more destination virtual arrays. During a data migration event, data stored in a LUN of the first source virtual array are copied to a corresponding LUN of a destination virtual array of a first one of the destination storage arrays, and data stored in a LUN of the second source virtual array are copied to a corresponding LUN of a destination virtual array of a second one of the destination storage arrays.