Multiple sourcing storage devices for ultra reliable mirrored storage subsystems
First Claim
1. A method for configuring an array of storage devices to reduce the probability of data loss due to clustered storage device failures in the array, the method comprising the following operations:
- identifying all storage devices in a primary set of storage devices and a first mirror set of storage devices in the array of storage devices;
obtaining data regarding each identified storage device;
determining if any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices has a vital characteristic that is the same as a vital characteristic of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices;
and if so, indicating an array configuration error, and halting the configuration of the array if an array configuration error is indicated;
and if not, continuing the configuration.
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Abstract
One aspect of the invention is a method for configuring an array of storage devices to reduce the probability of data loss due to clustered storage device failures in the array. An example of this method includes identifying all storage devices in a primary set of storage devices and a first mirror set of storage devices in the array of storage devices. This example also includes obtaining data regarding each identified storage device. This example further includes determining if any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices has a vital characteristic that is the same as a vital characteristic of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices, and if so, indicating an array configuration error, and if not, continuing the configuration.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for configuring an array of storage devices to reduce the probability of data loss due to clustered storage device failures in the array, the method comprising the following operations:
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identifying all storage devices in a primary set of storage devices and a first mirror set of storage devices in the array of storage devices; obtaining data regarding each identified storage device; determining if any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices has a vital characteristic that is the same as a vital characteristic of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices; and if so, indicating an array configuration error, and halting the configuration of the array if an array configuration error is indicated; and if not, continuing the configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for configuring an array of storage devices to reduce the probability of data loss due to clustered storage device failures in the array, the method comprising the following operations:
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identifying all storage devices in a primary set of storage devices and a first mirror set of storage devices in the array of storage devices; obtaining data regarding each identified storage device; determining if any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices has a vital characteristic that is the same as a vital characteristic of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices; and if so, indicating an array configuration error, and halting the configuration of the array if an array configuration error is indicated; and if not, continuing the configuration; wherein the operation of determining if any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices has a vital characteristic that is the same as a vital characteristic of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices, is repeated for a plurality of vital characteristics; and wherein an array configuration error is indicated only if the plurality of vital characteristics of any of the storage devices in the primary set of storage devices are the same as the plurality of vital characteristics of any of the storage devices in the first mirror set of storage devices. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for replacing a failed storage device in an array of storage devices having a plurality of sets of storage devices, to reduce the probability of data loss due to clustered storage device failures in the array, the method comprising the following operations:
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identifying a set of storage devices of which the failed storage device is a member; identifying all storage devices in each set of storage devices in the array other than the set of storage devices of which the failed storage device is a member; obtaining data regarding each identified storage device, wherein the data obtained regarding each identified storage device includes vital product data; identifying a vital characteristic of a potential replacement storage device; determining if any identified storage device has a vital characteristic that is the same as the vital characteristic of the potential replacement storage device; and if so, indicating a array configuration error; and if not, configuring the array with the potential replacement storage device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification