Topology-Driven Zoning for Storage Area Network Path Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of zones in storage systems for Fibre Channel protocol communication is inefficient and prone to single-point failures, as it relies on manual selection of zone members and ports, which can lead to inadequate path redundancy and load balancing.
Innovation Solution
Automatically creating zones by identifying and utilizing field replaceable unit (FRU) port groups, adapters, and adapters groups to ensure sufficient paths and minimize single-point failures through topology-driven zoning, using a unified infrastructure manager to configure and manage Fibre Channel zones dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of zones is used, then configuration flexibility is improved, but configuration efficiency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically discovering the storage network topology and generating zone configurations without manual intervention. The management module autonomously identifies FRU port groups, adapters, and adapter groups, then creates appropriate zones based on discovered topology, eliminating the need for manual zone configuration while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic discovery and configuration generation. Instead of manually selecting zone members and configuring ports, the system uses electronic topology discovery to automatically identify FRU hierarchies and generate zone configurations, significantly improving efficiency while preserving flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of zones is used, then configuration flexibility is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to single-point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously discovers the storage network topology and automatically generates zone configurations that ensure path redundancy. By self-configuring zones based on discovered FRU hierarchies, the system eliminates manual errors and ensures reliable multi-path configurations without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously discovers and monitors storage network topology changes, using this feedback to dynamically adjust zone configurations. This feedback mechanism ensures that zone configurations remain optimal and maintain path redundancy even when topology changes occur, improving reliability while preserving flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated topology-driven zoning is implemented, then configuration efficiency and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into hierarchical FRU components (port groups, adapters, adapter groups) that can be independently discovered and configured. This segmentation simplifies the automation process by breaking down complex topology discovery into manageable segments, improving configuration efficiency while keeping system complexity manageable through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The management module performs multiple functions including topology discovery, zone configuration generation, and dynamic adaptation to topology changes. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal module that handles all automation tasks, improving configuration efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If zones are configured manually, then adaptability to specific architectures is improved, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts to different storage architectures by discovering topology and generating appropriate zone configurations without manual reconfiguration. This self-service capability enables seamless service expansion as the system automatically adjusts zone configurations to match discovered topology, improving scalability while maintaining architecture-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The zone configuration system dynamically adapts to topology changes and service expansion requirements. Instead of static manual configurations, the system continuously discovers topology and dynamically generates appropriate zone configurations, enabling seamless scaling while maintaining adaptability to specific architectural requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to create zones for ports from a storage layer to a compute layer both coupled to a storage area network switch. In one embodiment, the storage layer includes ports in field replaceable unit (FRU) port groups, the port groups in FRU adapters, and the adapters in FRU adapter groups. The ports can be selected to minimize single points of failure.