Virtual Array Management via Switch Fabric Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for partitioning storage systems into virtual arrays are complex and expensive, operating only at the storage array level, and lack a centralized mechanism for managing access and data migration.
Innovation Solution
A method for presenting virtual arrays in a storage network by partitioning a physical storage array into multiple virtual arrays, each with a management interface accessible by a host for independent management, allowing transparent data migration between virtual arrays without disrupting host communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage arrays are partitioned into virtual arrays at the storage array level, then storage security and exclusive access are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch fabric as an intermediary component between hosts and storage arrays. The switch fabric implements virtual array partitioning and management functions, acting as a mediator that provides security and access control without requiring complex software partitions within each storage array. This distributes the complexity from the storage array level to the network level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage network into multiple virtual arrays that are logically separated but physically shared across the same storage array. Each virtual array is assigned to specific hosts through the switch fabric, providing exclusive access control. This segmentation occurs at the network layer rather than requiring physical or software-based partitioning at the storage array level.
2Reliability
If storage arrays are partitioned into virtual arrays at the storage array level, then exclusive host access is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch fabric is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides virtual array partitioning, host-to-array mapping, and access control simultaneously. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate partitioning mechanisms at the storage array level, reducing overall implementation cost while maintaining exclusive access capabilities.
3Device complexity
If centralized virtual array partitioning is implemented at the switch fabric level, then device complexity is reduced, but data migration capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The switch fabric implements dynamic virtual array assignments that can be modified without reconfiguring the storage arrays themselves. Virtual arrays can be dynamically assigned to different hosts or migrated between storage arrays through switch fabric reconfiguration, providing adaptability and data migration capability while keeping the storage array structure simple and static.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a system and method of presenting virtual arrays in a storage network. A physical storage array is partitioned into a plurality of virtual arrays. Each virtual array has logical units of storage. Each virtual array is associated with a virtual array management interface by which a management application executing remotely on a host can address communications separately to that virtual array for managing the logical units of storage of that virtual array.