System and method for locating a failed storage device in a data storage system

A system for locating a failed device in a computer-based information storage system, the storage system including a plurality of storage devices communicatively connected by a ring-type communication network comprising:

• at least one controller connected to the communication network and connected to an input/output module for regulating access to the communication network by the storage devices;
• a processor executing logic for generating a signal for disabling network access for all storage devices on the communication network and for transmitting the signal on a communication bus separate from the communication network;
• a processor executing logic for iteratively performing the following steps until communication on the ring-type network is restored:
• (1) generating a signal for enabling network access for a subset of devices on the communication network,
• (2) transmitting the signal to the Input/output module on a communication bus separate from the communication network,
• (3) testing communication on the communication network;
• and
• (4) if communication on the ring-type network fails, then disabling network access for the subset of storage devices;
• and
• a processor executing logic for enabling network access for individual devices on the ring-type network until the addition of a storage device causes the ring-type network to fail.

A computer program product in a computer readable medium for locating a failed device in a computer-based information storage system, comprising:

• first instructions for disabling network access for all storage devices on the communication network by transmitting a disable signal on a communication bus separate from the communication network;
• second instructions for iteratively performing the following steps until communication on the communication network is restored:
• enabling network access for a subset of devices on the communication network;
• testing communication on the communication network, and
• if communication on the communication network fails, then disabling network access for the subset of devices;
• and
• third instructions for enabling network access for individual devices on the communication network until the addition of a device causes the communication network to fail.