Methods and systems for implementing shared disk array management functions
First Claim
1. In a data storage network, a method of maintaining data coherency using two or more array management functions (AMFs) that are able to concurrently access a redundancy group, the redundancy group including a plurality of resources,a first one of the AMFs being operative to receive a request, from a host, to perform a first operation on data stored on a first one of the resources, the method comprising:
- receiving a message from the first AMF at a second AMF sharing access to the first resource so as to permit access to the first resource by the first AMF;
receiving replication and state data from the first AMF at the second AMF concurrently with the first AMF beginning to perform the first operation on the data; and
upon the first AMF failing to complete the first operation on the data, completing the first operation on the data by the second AMF using the replication and state data from the first AMF.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Multiple Array Management Functions (AMFs) are connected to multiple redundancy groups over a storage area network (SAN), such as a fiber-channel based SAN. The multiple AMFs share management responsibility of the redundancy groups, each of which typically includes multiple resources spread over multiple disks. The AMFs provide concurrent access to the redundancy groups for associated host systems. When a host requests an AMF to perform an operation on a resource, the AMF synchronizes with the other AMFs sharing control of the redundancy group that includes the resource to be operated on, so as to obtain access to the resource. While performing the operation, the AMF send replication data and state information associated with the resource such that if the AMF fails, any of the other AMFs are able to complete the operation and maintain data reliability and coherency.
20 Citations
18 Claims
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1. In a data storage network, a method of maintaining data coherency using two or more array management functions (AMFs) that are able to concurrently access a redundancy group, the redundancy group including a plurality of resources,
a first one of the AMFs being operative to receive a request, from a host, to perform a first operation on data stored on a first one of the resources, the method comprising: -
receiving a message from the first AMF at a second AMF sharing access to the first resource so as to permit access to the first resource by the first AMF; receiving replication and state data from the first AMF at the second AMF concurrently with the first AMF beginning to perform the first operation on the data; and upon the first AMF failing to complete the first operation on the data, completing the first operation on the data by the second AMF using the replication and state data from the first AMF. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A data storage network, comprising:
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two or more controllers communicably coupled to a redundancy group, each controller having one or more array management functions (AMFs), wherein two or more of said AMFs are able to concurrently access the redundancy group, the redundancy group including a plurality of resources, a first AMF being operative to receive a request from a host to perform an operation on data stored on a first one of the resources, each controller further including; means for receiving a message from the first AMF at a second AMF so as to permit access to the first resource by the first AMF; means for receiving replication and state data from the first AMF at the second AMF concurrently with the first AMF beginning to perform the first operation on the data; and means active upon the first AMF failing to complete the first operation on the data for completing the first operation on the data by the second AMF using the replication and state data from the first AMF. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification