Switch Reference Log for FC-SAN Protocol Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks (FC-SAN), connection failures occur due to differences in interface protocols between products from various vendors, leading to network instability and the need for immediate recovery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A network node searches for and utilizes a connection candidate log from vendor-confirmed reference logs to re-establish connections between network nodes, overcoming protocol differences and enabling automatic recovery from connection failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If products from various vendors are connected to FC-SAN, then network versatility and adaptability are improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to protocol interpretation differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary device between network nodes from different vendors. The switch maintains reference logs containing standardized interface protocol information and uses these logs to mediate communication between nodes with different protocol interpretations, thereby ensuring reliable connections while maintaining vendor diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of protocol interpretation by introducing standardized reference logs that define correct protocol behavior. When connection failures occur, the system modifies transmission/reception timing parameters based on the reference logs to resolve protocol interpretation differences between vendors
2Reliability
If transmission/reception timing is adjusted to resolve protocol differences, then connection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to timing synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing reference logs that contain standardized timing and protocol information before actual connections are made. These reference logs are created in advance through vendor-confirmed connection verifications, allowing the system to automatically resolve timing issues without complex real-time negotiations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where connection failure information is collected and analyzed. When a connection failure occurs, the system retrieves relevant reference logs and adjusts transmission/reception timing based on the feedback from the failure analysis, creating a self-correcting system that reduces complexity over time
3Reliability
If connection failures are manually diagnosed and resolved, then connection reliability can be restored, but recovery time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by automating the connection failure recovery process. When a connection failure occurs, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate reference log, analyzes the failure cause, adjusts timing parameters, and re-establishes the connection without human intervention, dramatically reducing recovery time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing reference logs with correct protocol and timing information for various vendor combinations. This advance preparation allows the system to immediately retrieve and apply the appropriate reference log when a failure occurs, eliminating manual diagnosis and resolution time
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes a reference log storage table for storing a plurality of reference logs for performing normal connection processing between network nodes, a connection candidate log search program for searching for a connection candidate log from among a plurality of reference logs based on a failure log acquired when a connection failure occurs between network nodes; and a re-connection program for re-connecting the network nodes by using the connection candidate log.