Virtual Array Non-Disruptive Migration Heterogeneous Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage area network technologies face challenges in non-disruptively migrating data between heterogeneous storage arrays, leading to downtime and compatibility issues during array upgrades or replacements, especially in multi-vendor environments with diverse operating systems and storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a name server database to query and reconfigure port names and logical unit associations, generating a target virtual array with matching capacity and configuration to the source array, allowing seamless data migration without disrupting host communications, even across different storage array vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data migration is performed between heterogeneous storage arrays using traditional methods, then data can be transferred from source to destination array, but host systems experience downtime and require reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual array as an intermediary layer between host systems and physical storage arrays. During migration, the virtual array maintains the same port names and addresses as the source array, allowing hosts to continue accessing storage through the virtual array while data is copied to the destination array in the background. This mediator approach eliminates downtime and avoids host reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual array is configured in advance with the same port names, addresses, and LUN mappings as the source array before migration begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the migration starts, hosts can immediately continue their operations without interruption, as the virtual array is already prepared to present the same interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage arrays from different vendors are integrated into a heterogeneous environment, then organizational flexibility and legacy support are improved, but migration compatibility and tool availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual array serves as a universal interface that can present data from source arrays of any vendor in a standardized manner. By abstracting the underlying hardware differences and presenting a unified virtual interface to hosts, the system enables migration between heterogeneous arrays without requiring vendor-specific tools or complex configuration, thus reducing migration complexity while maintaining multi-vendor support.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is non-disruptive data migration from a source virtual array at a source storage array to a target virtual array at a heterogeneous destination storage array. A name server database is queried to obtain port names for each source port. The source storage array is queried to obtain information about each source virtual array LUN. A target virtual array is generated at the destination array for receiving a copy of data resident at the source virtual array. The target virtual array has at least as many ports and at least as many LUNs as the source virtual array. Data resident in the source virtual array LUNs are copied to corresponding target virtual array LUNs. The name server database is reconfigured to associate source port names with the virtual port addresses of the target virtual array such that the target virtual array appears to a host as the source virtual array.