Method of increasing performance and manageability of network storage systems using optimized cache setting and handling policies

A method of optimizing cache performance in a storage area network, comprising:

• (a) setting an initial cache management policy for at least a portion of storage in said storage area network, comprising the steps of:
• choosing an initial cache management policy for at least a portion of a storage volume of said storage area network;
• determining an address range of said portion of a storage volume;
• constructing a command packet, wherein said command packet includes said initial cache management policy and said address range;
• sending said command packet to a cache controller of said storage area network;
• and
• configuring said cache controller to operate the cache memory in accordance with said initial cache management policy with respect to said portion of a storage volume;
• (b) operating said cache in accordance with said initial cache management policy for host command accessing said portion of storage, wherein said operating includes gathering cache operation statistics;
• (c) determining whether a system performance goal has been met;
• (d) if said system performance goal has not been met, determining a new cache management policy for said portion of storage, and repeating steps (a), (b), and (c) until said system performance goal has been met.