JP2024087143A - Storage Device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage device including multiple controllers, and improves the performance of the storage device.
[Solution] In a storage device, multiple resource hierarchies are defined. Resources of a lower resource hierarchy are included in resources of a higher resource hierarchy, and the lowest resource hierarchy includes one or more ports. The multiple controllers include an access controller that has access rights to any of one or more volumes, and other controllers that do not have access rights. A priority is assigned to each of the multiple resource hierarchies, and the priority of the higher resource hierarchy is higher than the priority of the lower resource hierarchy. The priority of the access controller is higher than the priority of the multiple resource hierarchies. The storage device selects one or more connection ports to a host from the ports of the multiple controllers based on the priority. A connection port is selected from unselected resources for the host in each resource hierarchy.
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a storage device, and in particular to setting logical paths in a storage device.

When connecting a host and a storage device, the host's HBA (Host Bus Adapter) and the storage device's port are not necessarily connected 1:1. For example, multiple HBAs may be physically connected to one port of the storage device via a network (including a switch), and one HBA may be connected to multiple physical ports (storage ports) of the storage device.

The storage device must properly control which volume (Logical Unit: LU) an HBA physically connected to a storage port can access, i.e., the logical path from the HBA to the volume.

JP 2006-79378 A is a related technique of the present disclosure. JP 2006-79378 A discloses a port allocation device that "allocates multiple ports provided in a storage device that logically manages data from an external device connected to a network to multiple targets by multiple targets that process initiator commands from the external device, and that includes a load information storage unit that stores load information indicating the load of the port for each port assigned to each target, and a processing unit that changes the port allocation for each target so that the load of each port is distributed based on the load information stored in the load information storage unit." (Abstract)

JP 2006-79378 A

When a storage administrator (user) sets up a logical path (zoning) between a host and a port on a storage device, consideration must be given from various perspectives. Therefore, in order to set up an appropriate logical path, the storage administrator needs a great deal of knowledge and is required to carry out complicated processing.

A storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of controllers and a plurality of physical storage devices that store data of one or more volumes accessed by a host, each of the plurality of controllers including one or more ports for communicating with the host, a plurality of resource hierarchies are defined in the storage device, each of the plurality of resource hierarchies corresponds to a resource type of the storage device, the resources of a lower resource hierarchies are included in the resources of a higher resource hierarchies, the lowest resource hierarchies include one or more ports, the plurality of controllers include an access controller that has access rights to any of the one or more volumes and another controller that does not have the access rights, a priority is assigned to each of the plurality of resource hierarchies, the priority of the higher resource hierarchies is higher than the priority of the lower resource hierarchies, the priority of the access controller is higher than the priority of the plurality of resource hierarchies, at least one of the plurality of controllers selects one or more connection ports to the host from the ports of the plurality of controllers based on the priority, and the selection of the connection port in each resource hierarchies selects the connection port from resources not selected for the host in each resource hierarchies.

One aspect of the present invention is to enable the allocation of an appropriate logical path to a host.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a computer system. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a management device. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a controller. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a host configuration information table. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an LU configuration information table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an LU allocation table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a port configuration information table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a port-based monitor data table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a host-based monitor data table. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for setting a logical path for a new host that is newly connected to a storage device in response to a request from a storage administrator. 13 shows a flowchart of an example of a process for determining a recommended connection port. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of an example of an operation for monitoring and diagnosing the I/O status between each host and a storage device, and automatically switching the logical path depending on the diagnosis result. 13 shows a flowchart of an example of a destination port selection process based on a host IO status diagnosis result.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, various information may be described using expressions such as "management tables", but the various information may be expressed in data structures other than tables. Furthermore, to indicate independence from the data structure, the "management tables" may be referred to as "management information".

In addition, processing may be described with a "program" as the subject. The program is executed by one or more processors, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), and performs a specified process. Note that the subject of processing may be the processor, since the process is performed using storage resources (e.g., memory) and communication interface devices (e.g., communication ports) as appropriate. The processor may have dedicated hardware in addition to the CPU. A computer program may be installed on each computer from a program source. The program source may be provided, for example, from a program distribution server or a storage medium.

In addition, each element can be identified by a number or the like, but other types of identification information, such as a name, may be used as long as the information is identifiable. In the drawings and explanation of this embodiment, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and all application examples that conform to the concept of the present invention are included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each component may be plural or singular.

In one embodiment of this specification, a logical path is set (zoning) between a port of a storage device and a host. The method of one embodiment of this specification defines a priority for a port based on the positional relationship between the port of a controller that has access rights (ownership) to a volume and the port. Based on the priority of the port, a logical path, that is, a port that connects to a host, is set.

The method of one embodiment of this specification classifies the controllers of a storage device into controllers with access rights, controllers provided redundantly to the controllers with access rights, and other controllers, and assigns priorities to them. This makes it possible to assign logical paths that stably satisfy performance requirements.

In one embodiment of this specification, a logical path for a host newly connected to a storage device is set based on the above priority. In one embodiment of this specification, a logical path that does not meet the required performance among the logical paths currently in operation is switched to another logical path, thereby improving the performance of the logical path. The selection of the destination logical path is determined according to the above priority based on the access rights and redundant configuration.

The embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a computer system in the embodiment. The computer system includes a storage device 1 and a host 2 connected to the storage device 1 via an FC (Fibre Channel) switch 3. In FIG. 1, one of the multiple hosts is indicated by the reference symbol 2 as an example. Each host 2 includes a host bus adapter 21, and is connected to the FC switch 3 via the host bus adapter 21.

The computer system further includes a management device 4 and a management network 5. An administrator can use the management device 4 to communicate with the host 2 and the storage device 1 via the management network 5. The management device 4 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer, and the management network 5 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN).

The storage device 1 includes one or more CBX (Control Box) groups 10. In the example described below, multiple CBX groups 10 are included in the storage device 1. Each CBX group 10 includes multiple CBXs 11 built into one housing. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the number of CBXs 11 in each CBX group 10 is two, and they are housed in one housing. One CBX is indicated by the reference symbol 11, for example. The CBXs 11 in the same housing share a power supply circuit built into the housing of the CBX group 10.

Each CBX 11 includes multiple controllers (CTL) 15. The multiple controllers 15 are built into a single housing and share some circuits, such as the power supply circuit. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the number of controllers 15 accommodated in each CBX is two. As an example, one controller is indicated by the reference symbol 15.

Each controller 15 includes one or more channel boards (CHB), and each channel board 16 includes one or more ports 17. In FIG. 1, one channel board and one port are indicated by the reference numerals 16 and 17 as an example. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, each controller includes two channel boards 16, and each channel board 16 includes two ports 17.

The channel board 16 converts between the internal protocol of the storage device 1 and the network protocol (here, Fibre Channel). The port 17 is connected to the FC switch 3, and the controller 15 communicates with the host 2 via the port 17. Multiple hosts 2 can communicate with the storage device 1 via one port 17, and one host 2 can communicate with the storage device 1 via multiple ports 17. The communication path between the host 2 and the storage device 1 or the controller 15 via the port 17 is also called a logical path or simply a path.

The storage device 1 includes one or more physical storage devices (PDEV) 18. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, multiple storage devices 18 are included, and one storage device is indicated by the reference numeral 18 as an example. The storage device 18 can include a non-volatile storage medium, and is, for example, a physical storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory.

A RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) group can be configured from multiple storage devices 18. Volumes (logical units: LUs) 13 provide storage space based on the RAID group. Volumes 13 are logical storage devices managed by the storage device 1 and can be used as storage areas by the host 2. Ownership of one or more volumes 13 can be assigned to a controller 15. Ownership is the right to access a volume 13. In the example described below, there is one controller that has ownership of one volume. Note that more logical hierarchies may be formed and managed in order to provide volumes 13 to the host.

The controllers 15 can communicate with other controllers 15 via an internal network (not shown). For example, the controllers 15 each include one or more controller connection ports and are interconnected via an internal switch.

Only the controller 15 that has ownership of a volume 13 can access the control information for that volume and can also access the volume 13. An IO request (write request or read request) from the host 2 to a specific volume 13 is processed by the controller 15 that has the ownership. The controller 15 that has the ownership writes host data (also called user data) to that volume 13 and reads host data from that volume.

For example, when a controller 15 receives a read request for a volume 13 for which it does not have ownership, it transfers the processing to a controller 15 that does have ownership; specifically, it transfers the read request to the controller 15 that has ownership. The controller 15 that has ownership returns the read host data to the source of the read request. The controller that receives a read request from the host 2 transfers the host data to the host 2.

When a controller 15 receives a write request and host data for a volume 13 for which it does not have ownership, it sends a write request for that volume 13, together with the host data, to the controller 15 with ownership. The controller 15 with ownership writes the received host data to the volume 13. Generally, a response to the host is returned from the controller 15 that received the write request when the host data has been written to the cache.

Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 4. The management device 4 can be configured, for example, by one or more computers. The management device 4 includes a processor 102, a main memory device 103, an auxiliary memory device 104, an input device 105, and an output device 106. Each part of the management device 4 is connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication means such as a bus (not shown).

The processor 102 is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 102 reads and executes a program stored in the main memory device 103, thereby realizing the functions of the management device 4.

The main memory device 103 is a device that stores programs and data, and may be a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM). The auxiliary memory device 104 may be, for example, a SSD (Solid State Drive), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or the like. The auxiliary memory device 104 includes a non-transitory storage medium that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored in the auxiliary memory device 104 are loaded into the main memory device 103 as needed.

The input device 105 is an interface that accepts input of information, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. The output device 106 is an interface that outputs various types of information, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a printer, etc. Some of the components shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted, and other components may be added.

Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the controller 15. In addition to the port 17 for connecting to the host and the channel board 16, the controller 15 includes a disk control adapter 304, an MP 301 which is a processor, and a memory 302 which is a main memory. The MP 301 communicates with the channel board 16, the memory 302, and the disk control adapter 304 via a bus. The disk control adapter 304 is a communication interface between the MP 301 and the storage device 18. In Figure 3, the channel board 16 is illustrated separately from the port 17, but the port 17 may be included in the channel board 16.

MP 301 realizes the functions of the storage system by reading and executing programs stored in memory 302. For example, MP 301 operates as a logical path configuration change unit, a host IO status diagnosis unit, and a performance monitor unit in accordance with logical path configuration change program 327, host IO status diagnosis program 328, and performance monitor program 329. Note that memory 302 stores other programs, such as read and write programs for processing IO requests from host 2, and MP 301 operates in accordance with these programs.

Memory 302 stores programs 327 to 329 executed by MP 301 and management information for storage device 1. As examples of management information, multiple tables 321 to 326 are shown in FIG. 3. These are host configuration information table 321, LU configuration information table 322, LU allocation table 323, port configuration information table 324, port-based monitor data table 325, and host-based monitor data table 326. The information in these tables 321 to 326 is shared between controllers 15. Memory 302 is also used as a cache memory by controller 15 in I/O processing for LU 13. Note that FIG. 3 shows the programs and management information related to this embodiment, and storage device 1 further includes programs and management information not shown.

Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the host configuration information table 321. The rows of the host configuration information table 321 correspond to each host 2, and hold management information for the corresponding host 2. Each column of the host configuration information table 321 will be explained below.

The host ID column 401 stores the ID (identifier) of the host 2. The host side HBA identifier column 402 stores the identifier of the HBA of the corresponding host 2. The OS type column 403 indicates the OS of the corresponding host 24.

The minimum number of connection ports column 404 indicates the required number (minimum number) of ports 17 of the storage device 1 to be connected to the corresponding host 2. The required performance column 405 indicates the access performance to the volume 13 required by the corresponding host 2. The required performance can be expressed, for example, by throughput, data transfer amount, response time, or a value calculated from all or part of these values, and can be for a read request and/or a write request.

The priority 1 connection port column 406 indicates the identifier of the priority 1 port 17 to which the corresponding host 2 is connected. The priority 2 connection port column 407 indicates the identifier of the priority 2 port 17 to which the corresponding host 2 is connected. The priority 3 connection port column 408 indicates the identifier of the priority 13 port 17 to which the corresponding host 2 is connected. The priority 4 connection port column 409 indicates the identifier of the priority 4 port 17 to which the corresponding host 2 is connected. The priority 5 connection port column 410 indicates the identifier of the priority 5 port 17 to which the corresponding host 2 is connected.

The lower the priority number, the higher the priority. Port priority is determined based on the volume ownership and the resource hierarchy described below. The port of the controller with ownership has the highest priority, and lower priorities are determined according to the resource hierarchy. The resource hierarchy is predetermined according to the type of resource to which the port belongs.

In this example, a priority 2 connection port is a port that belongs to a different controller box group than the other ports of the same host. A priority 3 connection port is a port that belongs to a different controller box than the other ports of the same host. A priority 4 connection port is a port that belongs to a different controller than the other ports of the same host. A priority 5 connection port is a port that belongs to a different channel board than the other ports of the same host. There can be one or more ports with the same priority.

Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the LU configuration information table 322. The rows of the LU configuration information table 322 correspond to each volume (LU) 13, and hold information on the ownership of the corresponding volume 13. Each column of the LU configuration information table 322 will be explained below.

The LU ID column 421 stores the ID (identifier) of each volume 13. The Ownership CTL column 422 stores the ID (identifier) of the controller 15 that has ownership of the corresponding volume 13.

Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the LU allocation table 323. The rows of the LU allocation table 323 correspond to each volume (LU) 13, and hold information about the host 2 to which the corresponding volume 13 is assigned. Each column of the LU allocation table 323 will be explained below.

The host ID column 431 stores the ID (identifier) of each host 2. The LU ID column 432 indicates the ID (identifier) of the volume 13 assigned to the corresponding host 2. The LUN column 433 indicates the volume number (LUN) indicated when the corresponding host 2 accesses the corresponding volume 13. The volume ID (LU ID) is unique within the storage device 1, and the volume number (LUN) is unique within each host 2. Different hosts 2 can use the same volume number.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the port configuration information table 324. The rows of the port configuration information table 324 correspond to each port 17 of the storage device 1, and hold information about the configuration of the corresponding port 17. Each column of the port configuration information table 324 will be explained below.

The port ID column 441 indicates the ID of the port of the storage device 1. The assigned CHB ID column 442 indicates the ID of the channel board 16 to which the corresponding port 17 belongs (is included). The assigned CTL ID column 443 indicates the ID of the controller 15 to which the corresponding port 17 belongs (is included). The assigned CBX ID column 444 indicates the ID of the controller box 11 to which the corresponding port 17 belongs (is included). The assigned CBX group ID column 445 indicates the ID of the controller box group 10 to which the corresponding port 17 belongs (is included). The type column 446 indicates the type of communication protocol between the port 17 and the host 2. The implementation status column 447 indicates whether the port 17 of the corresponding ID is implemented or not.

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the port-by-port monitor data table 325. The rows of the port-by-port monitor data table 325 correspond to each port 17 of the storage device 1, and hold information regarding the load of the corresponding port 17. The port-by-port monitor data table 325 is updated by the performance monitor program 329. Each column of the port-by-port monitor data table 325 will be explained below.

The port ID column 451 indicates the ID of the port 17 of the storage device 1. The time column 452 indicates the start time of the time period (unit time) during which the load on the port was measured. The throughput column 453 indicates the throughput [IOPS] of the corresponding port 17 during the corresponding time period. The data transfer amount column 454 indicates the data transfer amount [MB/s] of the corresponding port 17 during the corresponding time period. The response time column 455 indicates the average response time [ms] of the corresponding port 17 during the corresponding time period. The performance value is the value of processing a read request and/or a write request.

Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the host-based monitor data table 326. The rows of the host-based monitor data table 326 correspond to each host 2, and hold information related to the IO performance of the corresponding host 2. From the viewpoint of the storage device 1, the IO performance of the host 2 is a load. The host-based monitor data table 365 is updated by the performance monitor program 329. Each column of the host-based monitor data table 326 will be explained below.

The host ID column 461 indicates the ID of the host 2. The time column 462 indicates the start time of the time period (unit time) during which the performance (load) of the host 2 was measured. The throughput column 463 indicates the throughput [IOPS] of the corresponding host 2 during the corresponding time period. The data transfer amount column 464 indicates the data transfer amount [MB/s] of the corresponding host 2 during the corresponding time period. The response time column 455 indicates the average response time [ms] of the corresponding host 2 during the corresponding time period. The performance value is the value of processing a read request and/or a write request.

Figure 10 shows a sequence diagram of a processing example for setting a logical path for a new host that is newly connected to the storage device 1 in response to a request from the storage administrator (user). The storage device 1 registers the new host and proposes an assigned port or automatically assigns a port.

The storage administrator makes a request from the management device 4 to the storage device 1 to register information about a newly connected host (S1). At this time, the management device 4 sends the host information 510 entered by the storage administrator to the storage device 1. The host information 510 includes, for example, the host ID, the OS used by the host, the connection protocol with the host (FC/ISCSI), the HBA identifier (WWN/ISCSI NAME), the minimum number of connection ports, the required performance, and volume information (number, size) to be assigned to the host.

The minimum number of connection ports indicates the required number of ports 17 between the host 2 and the storage device 1 connected to it. The required performance is the performance required when the host 2 accesses the storage device 1, and is expressed in terms of IOPS, data transfer volume, response time, etc.

The storage device 1 adds information about the newly connected host to the management information (S2). Specifically, the logical path configuration change program 327 of the storage device 1 updates the host configuration information table 321 based on the host information 510 received from the management device 4. The information in the host information 510 is added to columns 401 to 405 of the host configuration information table 321.

Next, the storage device 1 creates a volume (LU) to be assigned to the new host 2 (S3). Specifically, the logical path configuration change program 327 creates a volume to be assigned to the host 2 from the assigned volume information of the input host information 510, and adds that information to the management information.

For example, the logical path configuration change program 327 adds a new entry to the LU configuration information table 322. The controller 15 that has ownership (access rights) to the created volume 13 is automatically determined by a predetermined method. The logical path configuration change program 327 also adds information about the new volume to the LU allocation table 323. Note that other information (not shown) that manages the volume, such as the volume capacity, usage amount, and mapping information with the address of the storage device 18, is managed by the controller 15.

Next, the storage device 1 determines a port 17 to be recommended as the connection port 17 for the new host 2 (S4). The logical path configuration change program 327 of the storage device 1 selects the recommended connection port 17 based on the minimum number of connection ports and the required performance of the input host information 510. Details of the method of selecting the recommended connection port will be described later with reference to FIG. 11. Note that the determination of the recommended connection port S4 may be performed by the management device 4.

The storage device 1 then sets a logical path for the recommended connection port. The logical path configuration change program 327 may, for example, display information about the recommended connection port in the management device 4 and set a logical path for the new host in response to instructions from the storage administrator. In another example, the logical path configuration change program 327 automatically sets a logical path for the new host 2 between the recommended connection port 17 and the new host 2 without receiving instructions from the storage administrator.

The logical path setting adds the ID of the connection port to columns 406 to 409 of the host configuration information table 321, and updates other management information of the logical path of the storage device 1 that allows the host 2 to access the volume via the logical path. After the logical path is set, the registered host 2 can access the created volume 13 via the set logical path.

Finally, the logical path configuration change program 327 returns the result of the new connection host information registration to the management device 4 (S6).

Next, the details of the recommended connection port determination S4 in the process described with reference to Figure 10 will be described. Figure 11 shows a flowchart of an example of the process of determining a recommended connection port. The meanings of the terms in the flowchart in Figure 11 will be explained. Resources refer to units within the storage device 1. In the example described below, the channel board, controller, controller box, and controller box group are each referred to as resources. In addition, the resource hierarchy (hierarchy X) is a hierarchy in which resources are divided and numbered as follows:

Layer 1: Channel Board (CHB)
Layer 2: Controller (CTL)
Layer 3: Controller Box (CBX)
Layer 4: Controller boxes

The above resource hierarchies are examples and are not limited to these. For example, some of these resource hierarchies may not be defined. Each resource hierarchy corresponds to a unit (resource) of a storage device. Multiple resource hierarchies have an inclusion relationship. Resources of a lower resource hierarchy with a smaller number are included in resources of a higher resource hierarchy with a larger number. For example, a channel board in a lower hierarchy is included in each of the controllers, controller boxes, and controller box groups in the higher hierarchy. A controller in a lower hierarchy is included in each of the controller boxes and controller box groups in the higher hierarchy.

Referring to FIG. 11, first, the logical path configuration change program 327 of the storage device 1 acquires, as input values 520, the minimum number of connected ports in the host information 510 and the ID of the volume assigned to the new host (the target LU ID to be assigned). One or more volumes are assigned to the new host. Furthermore, the logical path configuration change program 327 references the port configuration information table 324 to acquire the entry for the implemented port 17 (S11).

Next, the logical path configuration change program 327 acquires the IDs of the resources mounted on the storage device 1 from each entry of the implemented port 17 (S12). Specifically, it acquires the associated CHB ID, associated CTL ID, associated CBX ID, and associated CBX group ID.

The logical path configuration change program 327 then refers to the LU configuration information table 322 to obtain the ownership CTL ID of each target volume (S13). It then refers to the port-by-port monitor data table 325 to obtain the performance values of each implemented port 17 (S14). By prioritizing the port 17 of the controller 15 that has ownership, it is possible to reduce access overhead and prevent a decrease in access performance.

The logical path configuration change program 327 determines the port with the lowest load from among the ports 17 belonging to each controller 15 that has ownership as the recommended port 17 for connection (S15). This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in access performance. Note that a port 17 other than the port 17 with the lowest load may be selected. For example, if there are multiple ports 17 with loads below the threshold, one port 17 may be selected arbitrarily from among them.

The type of load referenced (calculation method) is specified in advance, and may be the same type of performance as that indicated in the required performance column 405 of the host configuration information table 321, for example. The load may be a value in any of the load columns indicated in the port-based monitor data table 325, or a value calculated from those values. The load may be determined, for example, from only one recent time zone value, or may be the average value over multiple recent time zones.

Next, the logical path configuration change program 327 records the IDs of the resources (CHB, CTL, CBX, CBX group) to which each selected port 17 belongs in a temporary table (S16).

Next, the logical path configuration change program 327 determines whether the minimum number of recommended connection ports 17 have been selected (S17). If the number of selected recommended connection ports 17 reaches the minimum number of connection ports (is equal to or greater than the minimum number) (S17: YES), the logical path configuration change program 327 returns the IDs of the selected recommended connection ports 17 in the output value 530 (S18).

If the number of selected recommended connection ports 17 does not reach the minimum number of connection ports (S17: NO), the logical path configuration change program 327 searches the resource hierarchies in descending order and records in the primary table the resource hierarchies (hierarchy X) in which unselected resources remain (S19). Unselected resources are resources for which no recommended connection ports have been selected for the new host.

In other words, the logical path configuration change program 327 first searches for controller box groups in which the selected recommended port 17 does not exist. If recommended ports 17 have been selected from all controller box groups, the logical path configuration change program 327 searches for controller boxes in which the selected recommended port 17 does not exist.

When a recommended port 17 has been selected from all controller boxes, the logical path configuration change program 327 searches for a controller that does not have the selected recommended port 17. When a recommended port 17 has been selected from all controllers, the logical path configuration change program 327 searches for a channel board that does not have the selected recommended port 17. By searching the above resource hierarchy in descending order, system stability can be improved.

The logical path configuration change program 327 records in the primary table a group of unused ports that belong to (are included in) an unselected resource from tier X (S20). Furthermore, the logical path configuration change program 327 determines the port with the lowest load from the selected group of unused ports as the recommended port for connection (S21). The explanation of step S15 can be applied to step S21. The logical path configuration change program 327 records in the primary table the ID of the resource to which the selected port belongs (S22). The flow then returns to step S17.

Next, a process for changing the logical path settings according to the I/O status between each connected host 2 and the storage device 1 will be described. Note that this process may be omitted. Figure 12 shows a sequence diagram of an example of an operation for monitoring and diagnosing the I/O status between each host 2 and the storage device 1, and automatically switching the logical path according to the diagnosis results.

The host IO status diagnosis program 328 of the storage device 1 is started at a predetermined interval (S31). The host IO status diagnosis program 328 may be started according to a preset condition other than the predetermined interval.

The host IO status diagnosis program 328 references the host configuration information table 321 to obtain the required performance value for each host 2 (S32). Furthermore, it references the host unit monitor data table 326 to calculate the current performance value corresponding to the required performance for each host 2 (S33). The method for calculating the performance value is preset. Specifically, it is predefined which row and column values of the host unit monitor data table 326 are used and how the performance value is calculated from one or more values.

Next, the host IO status diagnosis program 328 checks whether there is a host 2 that does not meet the required performance (S34). If there is a host 2 that does not meet the required performance, the host IO status diagnosis program 328 refers to the port-based monitor data table 325 (S35).

The host IO status diagnosis program 328 checks whether or not there is a heavily loaded port 17 among the connection ports 17 of the host 2 that does not meet the required performance (S36). The load may be the same as the calculation method for the current performance of the host 2, or it may be different. In this way, if there is a host 2 with degraded I/O performance, the host IO status diagnosis program 328 determines whether or not the port to which the host is connected needs to be switched.

If there is a port (source port) with a high load among the host connection ports, the logical path configuration change program 327 selects a destination port (S37). For example, if the load exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the load is high. Details of the destination port selection process will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

The logical path configuration change program 327 then sets the logical path of the switching destination (recommended connection port) and permits use by the host 2 (S38). The logical path configuration change program 327 sends an access path switching request to the host 2 (S39). The switching request is accompanied by connection port switching request information 540 indicating the IDs of the switching source port and the switching destination port.

When the logical path configuration change program 327 receives the access path switching process result from the host 2 (S40), it deletes the logical path setting for the port from which the access was switched, and revokes access permission from the host (S41).

The following describes in detail the process S37 for selecting a destination logical port in the sequence diagram of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an example of the process for selecting a destination port based on the results of the host IO status diagnosis.

The logical path configuration change program 327 holds an input value 550. The input value 550 indicates the switching source port ID and the host ID. The logical path configuration change program 327 refers to the port configuration information table 324 and obtains the entry for the implemented port 17 (S51).

Next, the logical path configuration change program 327 acquires the IDs of the resources mounted on the storage device 1 from the entries of the implemented ports 17 (S52). Specifically, it acquires the associated CHB ID, associated CTL ID, associated CBX ID, and associated CBX group ID.

The logical path configuration change program 327 references the host configuration information table 321 and obtains an entry that matches the host ID of the input value 550 (S53). Furthermore, the logical path configuration change program 327 references the port-based monitor data table 325 and obtains the performance value (load value) of the implemented port (S54).

The logical path configuration change program 327 determines whether the same number of destination port IDs as the number of source ports have been selected (S55). If the same number of destination ports as the number of source ports have already been selected (S55: YES), the logical path configuration change program 327 returns the selected destination port IDs (S56). The output value 560 indicates the recommended connection port ID, which is the destination port ID.

If the number of selected destination ports has not reached the number of source ports (S55: NO), the logical path configuration change program 327 determines whether the source port is a port belonging to a controller 15 that has ownership of any of the volumes 13 of the host 2 (S57). In this example, the logical path configuration change program 327 determines whether the source port is a connection port with a priority of 1.

If the source port is a port belonging to a controller 15 that has ownership of one of the volumes 13 of the host 2 (S57: YES), the logical path configuration change program 327 selects the highest hierarchical resource that does not share any other port to which the host is connected, with hierarchical level 2 (CTL) as the upper limit, among the resources to which the source port 17 belongs (S58). As described above, the resource hierarchical levels are composed of hierarchical levels 1 to 4, with hierarchical level 4 being the highest hierarchical level. By setting hierarchical level 2 (CTL) as the upper limit, it becomes possible to select a port 17 that belongs to the same controller 15 as the source port 17.

If the source port is not a port belonging to a controller 15 that has ownership of any of the volumes 13 of the host 2 (S57: NO), the logical path configuration change program 327 selects the highest hierarchical resource that does not share any other port 17 to which the host 2 is connected among the resources to which the source port 17 belongs (S59). This makes it possible to select a port with the same resource hierarchy (priority) as the source port.

Next, the logical path configuration change program 327 determines the port with the lowest load as the destination port from among the group of ports (including the source port) that belong to the selected resource and are not being used by the host 2 (S60). After that, the flow returns to step S55.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

Furthermore, each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, etc. may be realized in hardware, for example by designing some or all of them as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, each of the above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as the programs, tables, files, etc. that realize each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card or SD card.

In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines on the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

1 Storage device 2 Host 15 Controller 16 Channel board 17 Port 18 Storage device 301 MP
302 Memory 304 Disk control adapter 321 Host configuration information table 322 LU configuration information table 323 LU allocation table 324 Port configuration information table 325 Port-by-port monitor data table 326 Host-by-host monitor data table 327 Logical path configuration change program 328 Host IO status diagnosis program 329 Performance monitor program

Claims (10)

There is a storage device,
Multiple controllers,
a plurality of physical storage devices for storing data of one or more volumes accessed by a host;
each of the plurality of controllers includes one or more ports for communicating with the host;
In the storage device, a plurality of resource hierarchies are defined;
each of the plurality of resource hierarchies corresponds to a resource type of the storage device;
Resources in a lower resource hierarchy are contained in resources in a higher resource hierarchy,
The lowest level resource hierarchy includes one or more ports,
the plurality of controllers includes an access controller having an access right to any of the one or more volumes, and another controller not having the access right;
a priority is assigned to each of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
The priority of a higher resource hierarchy is higher than the priority of a lower resource hierarchy.
the priority of the access controller is higher than the priority of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
At least one of the plurality of controllers selects one or more connection ports with the host from the ports of the plurality of controllers based on the priority;
A storage device, wherein the selection of the connection port in each resource hierarchy selects the connection port from an unselected resource for the host in each resource hierarchy. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
a resource type of a first resource hierarchical level of the plurality of resource hierarchical levels is a controller;
A storage device, wherein a resource type of a second resource hierarchy higher than the first resource hierarchy is a controller box that houses multiple controllers within a housing. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
a resource type of a first resource hierarchical level of the plurality of resource hierarchical levels is a controller;
A storage device, wherein a resource type of a third resource hierarchy lower than the first resource hierarchy is a channel board included in the controller and including a plurality of ports. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
the host is a new host before starting communication with the storage device,
A storage device in which the at least one controller selects the connection ports from the access controller to select a specified number of connection ports for the host, and then selects one or more resource hierarchies of the multiple resource hierarchies in descending order, and in each selected resource hierarchy, selects the connection ports from unselected resources for the host. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
the one or more connection ports are switching destination connection ports from a switching source connection port of the host,
A storage device, wherein when the switching source connection port is a port of the access controller, the at least one controller selects the switching destination connection port from the access controller. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
the one or more connection ports are switching destination connection ports from a switching source connection port of the host,
A storage device, wherein when the source connection port is a port of a controller that does not have the access right, the at least one controller selects the destination connection port from the highest resource hierarchy that is not shared with other connection ports of the host in the resources that include the source connection port. 6. The storage device according to claim 5,
The at least one controller:
monitoring the load on each of the ports of the plurality of controllers;
When a load on the switching source connection port exceeds a designated value, the storage device switches the switching source connection port to the switching destination connection port. 2. The storage device according to claim 1,
The at least one controller holds load information for each of the ports of the plurality of controllers;
The storage device selects the connection port based on the load information. A method for selecting a connection port for a host in a storage device, comprising:
The storage device includes a plurality of controllers;
each of the plurality of controllers includes one or more ports for communicating with the host;
In the storage device, a plurality of resource hierarchies are defined;
each of the plurality of resource hierarchies corresponds to a resource type of the storage device;
Resources in a lower resource hierarchy are contained in resources in a higher resource hierarchy,
The lowest level resource hierarchy includes one or more ports,
the plurality of controllers include an access controller having access rights to any of one or more volumes of the host, and another controller not having the access rights;
a priority is assigned to each of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
The priority of a higher resource hierarchy is higher than the priority of a lower resource hierarchy.
the priority of the access controller is higher than the priority of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
The method comprises:
selecting one or more connection ports to the host from the ports of the plurality of controllers based on the priority;
selecting said connection port from unselected resources for said host in each resource hierarchy selected from said plurality of resource hierarchies. A program for causing one or more processors to execute a process for selecting a connection port of a host in a storage device,
The storage device includes a plurality of controllers;
each of the plurality of controllers includes one or more ports for communicating with the host;
In the storage device, a plurality of resource hierarchies are defined;
each of the plurality of resource hierarchies corresponds to a resource type of the storage device;
Resources in a lower resource hierarchy are contained in resources in a higher resource hierarchy,
The lowest level resource hierarchy includes one or more ports,
the plurality of controllers include an access controller having access rights to any of one or more volumes of the host, and another controller not having the access rights;
a priority is assigned to each of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
The priority of a higher resource hierarchy is higher than the priority of a lower resource hierarchy.
the priority of the access controller is higher than the priority of the plurality of resource hierarchies;
The process comprises:
selecting one or more connection ports to the host from the ports of the plurality of controllers based on the priority;
A program that selects the connection port from an unselected resource for the host in each resource hierarchical layer selected from the plurality of resource hierarchies.

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