Abstract:
This invention discloses a storage virtualization subsystem and system with host-side redundancy via SAS connectivity. The I/O interconnect interface between the storage virtualization controller and the host is a serial-attached SCSI (SAS) interface. At least one SAS expander is inserted on the I/O interconnect path of the host side to provide the function of device expansion. Or, a built-in virtual SAS expander is disposed inside the storage virtualization controller to provide multiple virtual IDs for each SAS port. When one controller in the storage virtualization controller pair malfunctions or fails, the invention provides solutions in accord with different embodiments so that the surviving controller can inherit the ID of the failed one. Thus, the host can keep functioning normally as it is not aware of any change in the device status.
Abstract:
A storage virtualization computer system. The storage virtualization computer system comprises a host entity for issuing an IO request, a SAS storage virtualization controller coupled to the host entity for executing IO operations in response to the IO request, and at least one physical storage device, each coupled to the storage virtualization controller through a SAS interconnect, for providing data storage space to the storage virtualization computer system through the SAS storage virtualization controller.
Abstract:
A media area network (10) includes a storage system (16) having at least one storage device (18) for storing digitized information. A host bus (14) adapter provides a link between the storage system and a host system (12) that provides overall control of the media area network. Within the host bus adapter, a lower-level port driver (24) monitors communications between the storage system and the host bus adapter. In the event of a communications failure, the lower-level port driver initiates switching from a failed port to an alternative port, thereby achieving fail-over recovery. Allocating the responsibility for fail-over recovery to the lower-level port driver assures timely handling of port failures, thereby reducing potential latency delays.
Abstract:
The storage system includes disk control clusters (1-1 to 1-n). Each cluster has channel IF units (11), disk IF units (16) and local shared memory units. The channel IF units, disk IF units and local shared memory units in the plurality of disk control clusters are connected to each other across the disk control clusters by interconnection (31), global information control unit (21) for storing management information about the disk control clusters is connected to the interconnection. Host computers (2) and the channel IF units of the disk control clusters are connected via front-end switch (7) for storing copy of the management information. Since the front-end switch reflects the contents of the copy of the management information on routing table, an access request from the host computer can be sent to a suitable disk control cluster.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a file system capable of reducing time taken to switch I/O paths, and hiding the process of switching the I/O paths from the user. In a system of the present invention in which a file ID is defined for each file, upon receiving a request for accessing a file specifying a file ID from a user, a file server refers to a file management table to obtain a logical disk ID for accessing the file. The file server then refers to a logical disk management table to obtain an I/O path corresponding to the logical disk ID, and accesses a physical disk device by use of the obtained I/O path. When a fault has occurred in an operational I/O path, a file server rewrites the logical disk management tables in all nodes to change the I/O path.
Abstract:
A data storage system having a first storage channel (14a1), a first controller (10a) coupled to the first storage channel (14a1), a first storage device (16a) coupled to the first storage channel (14a1), a second storage channel (14a2), a second storage device (16b) coupled to the second storage channel (14a2), and a switch (18a) coupled to the first storage channel (14a1) and the second storage channel (14a2). The switch (18a) separates the first storage channel (14a1) from the second storage channel (14a2) in a first state and connects the first storage channel (14a1) and the second storage channel (14a2) in a second state.
Abstract:
A computer system with a plurality of devices compatible with the Fibre Channel Protocol, which computer system is provided with the capability to dynamically alter the configuration of the plurality of devices without a system reset, or without additional software overhead. This capability is realized by providing unique mapping relationships between low-level Fibre Channel information structures related to the devices and upper-level link elements compatible with an operating system associated with the computer system.
Abstract:
Le système comprend une unité centrale (CPU) associée à un ou plusieurs contrôleurs d'entrée-sortie (Ctl 1 -Ctl 4 ) et un sous-système de disques à redondance (MD), divisés en unités logiques et sous la commande de deux contrôleurs de disques redondants (SP-A, SP-B). Ceux-ci sont attachés au(x) contrôleur(s) d'entrée-sortie par des bus également redondants. Une première partie des unités logiques est assignée au premier contrôleur de disques (SP-A) et l'autre partie au second contrôleur de disques (SP-B). Lorsqu'une unité logique, assignée au premier contrôleur de disque (SP-A), est accédée, l'état du second contrôleur de disque (SP-B) est surveillé par le chemin de réserve. En cas de détection de défaillance du second contrôleur de disques (SP-B), toutes les unités logiques sont basculées sur le premier (SP-A) et lui sont assignées. Un mode de fonctionnement dégradé est initié et l'accès aux ressources s'effectue par le chemin de réserve. Applicable aux systèmes de traitement de données.
Abstract:
A computer system with a plurality of devices compatible with the Fibre Channel Protocol, which computer system is provided with the capability to dynamically alter the configuration of the plurality of devices without a system reset, or without additional software overhead. This capability is realized by providing unique mapping relationships between low-level Fibre Channel information structures related to the devices and upper-level link elements compatible with an operating system associated with the computer system.
Abstract:
A system and/or network (50) for connecting at least one server (52) to at least one storage device (56) via a Fibre Channel (54). Such a system is capable of providing connection redundancy, high speed data rates, multiple operating systems and, hot plugging. Furthermore, the system allows for a large number of devices to be connected to the Fibre Channel. The devices, being servers, storage devices, or other system related appliances can be separated by more than 10 miles and still communicate via the Fibre Channel at high data rates.