Virtual Array Migration for Storage Consolidation
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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 multiple source storage arrays into a single destination storage array transparently through a switch, by dividing arrays into virtual arrays and using replication engines to copy data, connection information, and metadata, ensuring uninterrupted host communication and management application functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data migration is performed between storage arrays, then storage consolidation and cost reduction are achieved, but system complexity and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual array as an intermediary layer between physical storage arrays and hosts. This virtual array abstraction enables data migration between physical arrays without requiring direct host intervention or complex reconfiguration, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving storage consolidation and cost reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into independent virtual arrays that can be migrated separately. Each virtual array represents a discrete unit of storage that can be moved between physical arrays without affecting other virtual arrays, simplifying the migration process and reducing operational disruption
2Reliability
If storage arrays are partitioned into virtual arrays at the array level, then data security and exclusive access are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual array acts as an intermediary that provides security and access control without requiring complex partitioning at the physical array level. By implementing virtualization at the software layer, the system achieves data security and exclusive access while reducing physical system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a virtualization dimension to the storage architecture, moving from physical partitioning to virtual partitioning. This dimensional shift enables security and access control to be implemented in the software domain rather than requiring complex physical configurations
3Ease of operation
If data migration is performed transparently to hosts, then uninterrupted host communication is achieved, but migration time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data migration where hosts can continue to access and write data to virtual arrays during the migration process. The replication engine continuously synchronizes data between source and destination arrays, allowing migration to proceed without interrupting host operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data copying and synchronization before the actual switchover. By preparing the destination array in advance and ensuring data consistency, the migration can be completed with minimal disruption to host communication
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a system and method of migrating data stored in logical units of storage (LUNs) at a plurality of source storage arrays into one destination storage array transparently with respect to a host in communication with the source storage arrays through a switch. First and second source storage arrays and a destination storage array are each partitioned into a plurality of source virtual arrays. The destination virtual arrays include a first destination virtual array and a second destination virtual array. Data stored in a LUN of a first source virtual array of the first source storage array are copied to a corresponding LUN of the first destination virtual array of the destination storage array, and data stored in a LUN of a second source virtual array of the second source storage array are copied to a corresponding LUN of the second destination virtual array of the destination storage array.