METHODS FOR TRANSITIONING CONTROL BETWEEN TWO CONTROLLERS OF A STORAGE SYSTEM

摘要

Described herein are methods for transitioning control between a first and second controller of a storage system. In such transition, the first controller transmits a message to a memory element shared by the first and second controllers, the message capable of notifying the second controller of an imminent failure of the first controller. The second controller receives the message from the shared memory element, the message notifying the second controller of an imminent failure of the first controller. Subsequent to transmitting the message to the shared memory element, the first controller becomes unavailable to facilitate access to the storage devices of the storage system. Subsequent to receiving the message from the shared memory element, the second controller becomes available to facilitate access to the storage devices of the storage system.

主权项

1. A method for a storage system, the storage system including a first controller, a second controller and a plurality of storage devices, each of the first and second controllers communicatively coupled to each one of the storage devices, the method comprising:
transmitting a message from the first controller to a memory element shared by the first and second controllers, the message capable of notifying the second controller of an imminent failure of the first controller, wherein subsequent to transmitting the message to the shared memory element, the first controller becomes unavailable to facilitate access to the storage devices.