Virtual NVMe Subsystem GUI Configuration via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to create an abstracted or virtual NVMe subsystem carved out from a pool of physical devices exposed via NVMeoF connectivity, allowing intuitive configuration and management using a graphical user interface (GUI), as existing systems lack intuitive methods for configuring complex NVMe entities and their connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A virtual subsystem configuration system utilizing a GUI that enables users to create and manage NVMe entities such as controllers, namespaces, and hosts, providing intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and automated parameter selection hints to configure connectivity between these entities, allowing for the creation of a virtual subsystem over a pool of physical storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphical user interface (GUI) is used to configure NVMe entities and connectivity, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple virtual subsystems, controllers, namespaces, and hosts
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex NVMe configuration task into distinct entity types (controllers, namespaces, hosts, connectivity) that can be independently created and managed through separate GUI panels. Each entity type has its own creation panel with specific parameters, allowing users to configure complex systems through a series of simple, organized steps rather than facing the entire complexity at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex NVMe subsystem configuration. It provides automated generation of configuration data, validation of parameters, and intelligent defaults, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling precise control over virtual subsystem creation and management.
2Ease of operation
If automated parameter selection hints are provided, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to automated selection of parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automated generation of configuration parameters based on user selections. When users create entities through the GUI, the system automatically generates appropriate parameter values, validates them, and populates fields with intelligent defaults. This self-service approach reduces manual effort while maintaining user control, as users can review and modify automated suggestions before finalizing configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes enabling, by a processor, a user to create indication of configuration of a virtual subsystem. The processor enables the user to create, in the indication of configuration of the virtual subsystem, indication of a namespace associated with one of storage devices, indication of a controller, indication of a host, and indication of connectivity between a controller and a namespace or between a host and a namespace. The processor enables the user to select the indicated controller and the indicated namespace, select the indicated host and the indicated controller, and create, in the indication of configuration of virtual subsystem, indication of connectivity between the controller and the namespace and indication of connectivity between the host and the controller. The processor implements the configuration of the virtual subsystem in an appliance to cause the appliance to provide the host with storage access to the namespace via the controller.