US 6,601,187 B1 · System for data replication using redundant pairs of storage controllers, fibre channel fabrics and links therebetween

Abstract

A data replication system having a redundant configuration including dual Fibre Channel fabric links interconnecting each of the components of two data storage sites, wherein each site comprises a host computer and associated data storage array, with redundant array controllers and adapters. Each array controller in the system is capable of performing all of the data replication functions, and each host ‘sees’ remote data as if it were local. Each array controller has a dedicated link via a fabric to a partner on the remote side of the long-distance link between fabric elements. Each dedicated link does not appear to any host as an available link to them for data access; however, it is visible to the partner array controllers involved in data replication operations. These links are managed by each partner array controller as if being ‘clustered’ with a reliable data link between them.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A system for remote backup of data written by a host computer to a first array of mass storage devices, the system comprising:

a first site comprising components including:
said host computer;
and
a first array controller and a second array controller, operatively coupled to said first array of mass storage devices;
a second site comprising components including:
a third array controller and a fourth array controller, operatively coupled to a second array of mass storage devices;
a first switched fabric comprising:
a first switch interconnecting the components of said first site;
a second switch interconnecting the components of said second site;
and
a first Fibre channel link connecting said first switch and said second switch;
and
a second switched fabric comprising:
a third switch interconnecting the components of said first site;
a fourth switch interconnecting the components of said second site;
and
a second Fibre channel link connecting said third switch and said fourth switch;
and
wherein the first switched fabric and the second switched fabric are extended by E ports.

16 more elements

A method for backup, at a remote site, of data written by a host computer to a first array of mass storage device at a first site, the method comprising the steps of;

interconnecting said first site and said remote site via a first switched Fibre channel fabric and a second switched Fibre channel fabric:
wherein said first site comprises components including:
said host computer;
and
a first array controller and a second array controller, operatively coupled to said first array of mass storage devices;
and
wherein said remote site comprises components including:
a third array controller and a fourth array controller, operatively coupled to a second array of mass storage devices;
interconnecting at least two of the components of the first site via a first switch coupled to the first switched Fibre channel fabric;
interconnecting at least two of the components of the second site via a second switch coupled to the first switched Fibre channel fabric;
interconnecting at least two components of the second site via a third switch coupled to the second switched Fibre channel fabric;
interconnecting at least two of the components of the second site via a fourth switch coupled to the second switched Fibre channel fabric;
sending the data to the third array controller via the first switched fabric to cause the data to be backed up on the second array;
and
establishing periodic communication between the first array controller and the third array controller via the first Fibre channel link;
wherein
if the communication between the first array controller and the third array controller fails, then sending the data from the second array controller to the fourth array controller via the second Fibre channel link to cause the data to be backed up on the second array;
and
wherein failover of the first Fibre channel link to the second Fibre channel link is effected by the host computer in response to a signal from the first array controller.

16 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for data replication using redundant pairs of storage controllers, fibre channel fabrics and links therebetween

Life of this patent

System for data replication using redundant pairs of storage controllers, fibre channel fabrics and links therebetween

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16