Synchronization of configuration data in storage-area networks
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- retrieving configuration data from a Fibre Channel (FC) switch;
determining whether the retrieved configuration data includes a change;
determining whether the change was made using a storage router coupled to the FC switch, in response to determining that the retrieved configuration data includes a change;
updating a first set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was made using the storage router; and
updating a second set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was not made using the storage router.
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Abstract
Many storage-area networks (SANs) were developed to facilitate high-speed storage of large quantities of digital data. However, at least some conventional SANs present increased maintenance costs and complexities that can discourage their use. For example, in some SANs, its difficult and time consuming to properly reconfigure a Fiber Channel switch after a system failure since the switch is configurable by multiple entities. Accordingly, the present inventors devised, among other things, a method and systems for automatically maintaining and synchronizing one or more backup copies of configuration data.
184 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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retrieving configuration data from a Fibre Channel (FC) switch; determining whether the retrieved configuration data includes a change; determining whether the change was made using a storage router coupled to the FC switch, in response to determining that the retrieved configuration data includes a change; updating a first set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was made using the storage router; and updating a second set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was not made using the storage router. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. Apparatus for use in a storage-area network, comprising:
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a plurality of Internet Protocol (IP) ports for coupling to a computer network; a router processor coupled to at least one of the IP ports; a switch processor coupled to the router processor; a Fibre Channel (FC) switch coupled to the switch processor; a plurality of FC ports coupled to the FC switch; a memory coupled to the router processor and comprising a set of coded instructions for; retrieving configuration data from the FC switch; determining whether the retrieved configuration data includes a change; determining whether the change was made as a result of one or more commands received through at least one of the IP ports, in response to determining that the retrieved configuration data includes a change; updating a first set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was made as a result of one or more commands received through at least one of the IP ports; and updating a second set of backup configuration data, in response to determining that the change was not made as a result of one or more commands received through at least one of the IP ports; and an enclosure containing the router processor, the switch processor, the FC switch, and the memory. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification