IMPLEMENTING ENHANCED DATA CACHING AND TAKEOVER OF NON-OWNED STORAGE DEVICES IN DUAL STORAGE DEVICE CONTROLLER CONFIGURATION WITH DATA IN WRITE CACHE

摘要

A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing enhanced data caching and takeover of non-owned storage devices in a computer system. Each of a first controller and a second controller has a cache memory. During normal run-time, each storage device controller validates cached write data after it is written to its cache memory by reading the write data from its cache memory. If any error is detected on the read, then unit check failed storage device controller, which results in a reset of the failed storage device controller. When a storage device controller detects its dual partner controller fails, the surviving storage device controller queues host read/write operations for its storage devices already owned, and tests a cache mirrored copy from its cache memory of the failed first storage device controller before takeover of the failed controller's storage devices.

主权项

1. A method for implementing enhanced data caching and takeover of non-owned storage devices in a computer system comprising:
providing each of a first storage device controller and a second storage device controller with a cache memory; connecting a plurality of storage devices to the first storage device controller and second storage device controller, and assigning respective ones of the storage devices assigned to the first storage device controller, and respective other ones of the storage devices assigned to the second storage device controller; during normal run-time, each storage device controller performing the steps of: validating cached write data after writing data to its cache memory by reading the write data from its cache memory; responsive to detecting any error on the read, unit check failed storage device controller to reset of the failed storage device controller; responsive to a storage device controller fails, a surviving storage device controller performing the steps of: queuing host read/write operations for storage devices assigned to the surviving storage device controller; and testing from its cache memory a cache mirrored copy of the failed storage device controller's cache before taking ownership of all storage devices.