Transparent Virtual Storage Layer Insertion in Fibre Channel SAN
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualization systems in Fibre channel-based storage area networks require application host downtime for installation, disrupting input/output operations and necessitating interruptions to establish a virtual storage layer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transparently inserting a virtual storage layer into a Fibre channel-based storage area network by intercepting communications between the host entity and storage devices, identifying and redirecting paths without interrupting I/O operations, using a device that spoofs port identifiers and manages path states to maintain continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing virtualization systems are installed to add data management services, then functionality for data migration, replication, and backup is improved, but I/O operations are interrupted and application host downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary component inserted between the application host and the storage device. This virtualization layer includes virtual storage devices that mediate all I/O communications, allowing data management services to be implemented without direct interruption to host-storage communications. The virtualization layer transparently intercepts and redirects I/O operations while maintaining continuous data flow between the host and storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization layer is established in advance before I/O operations need to utilize data management services. By pre-configuring the virtual storage layer with virtual devices and path mappings, the system prepares the infrastructure for services like replication and backup beforehand, eliminating the need to interrupt operations during service installation or activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual storage layer is established to enable transparent data management, then service functionality is improved, but system complexity increases due to path management and port spoofing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualization layer creates virtual copies of storage devices and communication paths. Virtual storage devices are instantiated as software representations of physical storage hardware, and virtual paths are created as software abstractions of physical communication channels. These copies allow the system to manage complexity through virtualization rather than physical duplication, enabling multiple virtual paths to map to single physical paths without increasing physical hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization layer is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple data management functions including data migration, replication, backup, and recovery through a single unified architecture. The same virtual storage devices and path management mechanisms serve all these different services, reducing overall system complexity compared to implementing separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transparently inserting a virtual storage layer into a Fiber channel based storage area network (SAN) while maintaining continuous I/O operations is provided. A device is inserted between a host entity and a first storage device. The device identifies a plurality of first paths between the host entity and the first storage device, and defines a plurality of second paths by defining, for each first path among the plurality of first paths, a corresponding second path between the host entity and a second storage device. The device determines, for each of the plurality of first paths, a respective first state. The device establishes, for each of the second paths among the plurality of second paths, a second state based on the first state of the corresponding first path. The device redirects, to the second storage device, communications directed from the host entity to the first storage device, via the plurality of second paths.