Reliable leader election in storage area network
First Claim
1. A method of leader election in a multi-node storage area network, comprising:
- (a) each node communicating to all nodes within a cluster of storage area network nodes of loss of connectivity between a node in said cluster and a cluster leader, (b) pruning a quantity of cluster leader candidates in response to loss of connectivity; and
(c) validating approval of node leadership election within said cluster of nodes to function as a new cluster leader.
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Abstract
A method and system for election of a cluster leader in a storage area network is provided Each node in a grouping of storage area network nodes communicates with each of the nodes on a periodic basis to determine if any of the nodes have failed (42). In the event of a cluster fault, each node may request a position of cluster leader. A pruning protocol (60) is invoked to ensure efficient convergence of a single cluster leader candidate to favor a majority grouping leader candidate to become the new cluster leader. In the event the leader candidate from the majority grouping has failed to become the new cluster leader, a minority grouping leader candidate can become the cluster leader. Following the pruning protocol, a voting protocol (100) is invoked followed by lock of the quorum disk (138) by the elected cluster leader candidate.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of leader election in a multi-node storage area network, comprising:
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(a) each node communicating to all nodes within a cluster of storage area network nodes of loss of connectivity between a node in said cluster and a cluster leader, (b) pruning a quantity of cluster leader candidates in response to loss of connectivity; and
(c) validating approval of node leadership election within said cluster of nodes to function as a new cluster leader. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A storage area network system comprising:
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a group of storage area network nodes with one node adapted to function as a cluster leader, a communication manager to enable each node to inform all nodes within a cluster of nodes of loss of connectivity between a node in said cluster and said cluster leader, a pruning protocol adapted to mitigate a quantity of cluster leader candidates in response to the loss of connectivity; and
a validation protocol adapted to approve a new cluster leader in response to said pruning protocol. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An article comprising:
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a computer-readable signal-rig medium;
means in the medium for informing all nodes within a cluster of storage area network nodes of loss of communication between a node in said cluster and a cluster leader, means in the medium for mitigating a quantity of cluster leader candidates responsive to said loss of communication; and
means in the medium for validating election of a new cluster leader responsive to mitigation of said quantity of candidates. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification