Enclosure numbering in RAID data storage systems

A method for use in enclosure numbering in redundant array of independent disk (RAID) data storage systems, the method comprising:

• creating a signature for an enclosure;
• writing the signature to a board and a drive in the enclosure;
• storing the signature in a database to indicate that the enclosure belongs to the redundant array;
• if a candidate enclosure reports a first enclosure number, the first enclosure number corresponding to a first record of a first missing enclosure, and at least half of all disk drives in the enclosure belong to the first enclosure number, and the first enclosure number is not reported by another candidate enclosure, indicating that the candidate enclosure has the first enclosure number.

A system for use in enclosure numbering in redundant array of independent disk (RAID) data storage systems, the system comprising:

• first logic creating a signature for an enclosure;
• second logic writing the signature to a board and a drive in the enclosure;
• third logic storing the signature in a database to indicate that the enclosure belongs to the redundant array;
• fourth logic indicating that an enclosure has the first enclosure number if first, second, and third boards in the enclosure indicates a first enclosure number;
• fifth logic indicating that the enclosure has the first enclosure number if at least the first and second boards indicate the first enclosure number, and indicating that the enclosure's enclosure number is unknown if the first board does not indicate any enclosure number.

A system for use in enclosure numbering in redundant away of independent disk (RAID) data storage systems, the system comprising:

• first logic creating a signature for an enclosure;
• second logic writing the signature to a board and a drive in the enclosure;
• third logic storing the signature in a database to indicate that the enclosure belongs to the redundant array;
• fourth logic indicating that a candidate enclosure has the first enclosure number if the candidate enclosure reports a first enclosure number, the first enclosure number corresponding to a first record of a first missing enclosure, and at least half of all disk drives in the enclosure belong to the first enclosure number, and the first enclosure number is not reported by another candidate enclosure.