Storage system and method of configuring the storage system

The present invention relates to a storage device system and a method of configuring a storage device system, and when the configuration of a storage control device is changed from one to a plurality of, the operation of the system is operated. The present invention relates to a storage device system that can be operated without being stopped and is suitable for centralized management of system management information in either form, and a method of configuring the storage device system.

[0002] [Conventional Technology] The performance and storage capacity required for a storage device system, from a large-scale storage device system required in a data center or the like in a company to a small-scale storage device system required in a general open market, are , It varies greatly depending on the application.

[0003] In response to the scalability problem required for this storage device system, conventionally, a storage device system to be connected to a host computer is added, and the storage device systems are connected to each other by a transfer path used for connection with the host computer. , A switch was provided between the host computer and the storage system to connect them.

[0004] As another method for dealing with the scalability problem required for the storage device system, a method of combining the components of a plurality of storage device systems and showing the host computer as one storage device system can be considered. For example, there is a method in which a data transfer path inside each storage device system and a management information transfer path are combined with each other to make a plurality of storage device systems into one storage device system.

[0005] On the other hand, the control program of the conventional storage device system is based on the premise that the storage device system to be controlled has a single storage device system structure both physically and logically. Therefore, in the case where a plurality of small storage device systems are combined into one storage device system and the whole is not logically regarded as a single storage device system, the storage device system of the conventional control program is used. It is necessary to change the basic recognition, the range of change extends to the entire control program, and the scale of change becomes extremely large.

[0006] Therefore, even when the components of a plurality of storage device systems are combined into one storage device system, the structure of the storage device system is considered to be logically single, and the control program is desired to be diverted. There is a request.

[0007] When the structure of the storage system is regarded as logically single, the management information of the storage system is consistently indivisible for each component of the storage system, like the management information of the conventional storage system. It will be information with sex. Therefore, in order to store the management information, it is necessary to secure a logically continuous memory area as in the conventional storage device system.

[0008] As one of the methods for securing the memory area for storing the management information, there is a method of using the management information memory distributed in the components of each storage device system. However, managing the physically distributed management information memory as one logically makes it difficult to realize the maintenance function. This is because the conventional storage device system physically stores the management information in a single management information memory.

[0009] For example, when the components of a plurality of storage device systems are combined and an arbitrary small storage device system is removed from the state of being shown as one storage device system, a part of management information is stored. Space will be lost. The management information is consistent information that cannot be divided, and even if a part is lost, the whole cannot be used. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the storage device system as it is.

[0010] On the other hand, regarding the feasibility of the maintenance function by distributing the parts other than the management information memory for storing the management information to each small storage device system, the management information is also provided in the conventional storage device system. Since it has a partial blockage / maintenance / recovery function for components other than memory, the conventional method can be used relatively easily.

[0011] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional method of combining the components of a plurality of storage device systems into one storage device system, the management method of the entire storage device system is not considered. ..

[0012] Therefore, when an attempt is made to divert a control program of a conventional storage device system, there is a problem that the scale of change of the control program becomes extremely large and diversion becomes difficult.

[0013] Further, in the method of combining the components of a plurality of conventional storage device systems into one storage device system, when the storage device system is logically managed as a single storage device system, a small storage device is used. No consideration is given to the method of storing management information of the storage device system, which is consistent and cannot be divided for each device system.

For this reason, it has been difficult to realize the maintenance function by storing the management information in the management information memory of each physically distributed small storage device system. In addition, if the management information is physically distributed, there is a problem that the access performance is deteriorated.

[0015] Further, in the prior art, it is not considered to flexibly respond to a change in the configuration of the storage device system.

[0016] This is because, when changing a storage device system composed of one component to a component of a plurality of storage device systems, when it is necessary to move management information, the storage system is stopped. During that time, there is a problem that the host cannot access the disk storage device. In particular, this increases the scale of the system and becomes a major obstacle such as a version upgrade of a system that requires constant operation.

[0017] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to easily change the configuration of a storage device system and to combine components of a plurality of storage device systems. Even in the case of one storage device system, the storage device system is logically managed as a single storage device system, and the storage position of the management information is selected according to the configuration of the storage device system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device system that centrally manages management information and does not deteriorate access performance regardless of the configuration.

[0018] Further, to provide a method for configuring a storage device system in which a host can access a disk storage device without stopping the operation of the storage device system even when the configuration of the storage device system is changed. It is in.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the configuration of the invention according to the storage device system of the present invention is the same in the storage device system for accessing the disk storage device from the host computer. The storage device system includes a storage control device and a disk storage device, and manages the storage control device, a channel interface connected to the host computer, a disk interface connected to the disk storage device, and the storage device system. It has a management information memory for storing information, and when there are a plurality of the storage control devices, the management information memory included in them is connected by a management information memory switch having a management information memory module. When the storage control device is one, the management information memory includes a management information memory controller and a management information memory module, and when the storage control device is a plurality of units, the management information memory is composed of a management information memory controller and a management information memory module. The management information memory includes a management information memory controller, and the management information memory controller accesses the management information memory module in the storage control device when the storage control device is one, and the management information memory controller is described. When there are a plurality of storage control devices, the storage control device operates so as to access the management information memory module in the management information memory switch.

More specifically, when the storage control device is one, the management information of the storage device system is stored in the management information memory module in the storage control device, and the storage control device stores the management information. When there are a plurality of units, they are stored in the management information memory module in the management information memory switch.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, the configuration of the invention according to the method of configuring the storage device system of the present invention is the method of configuring the storage device system for accessing the disk storage device from the host computer. Includes a storage control device and a disk storage device, and stores the channel interface connected to the host computer, the disk interface connected to the disk storage device, and the management information of the storage device system in the storage control device. When the storage control device is one, the management information memory includes a management information memory controller and a management information memory module, and the storage control device includes a management information memory. In the case of a plurality of units, the management information memory is composed of a management information memory controller, the management information memory is connected by a management information memory switch, and the management information memory module is placed in the management information memory switch. It was done.

[0022] More specifically, in the method of configuring the storage device system, the management information of the storage device system can be obtained by using the management information memory module in the storage control device when the storage control device is one. When there are a plurality of the storage control devices, they are stored in the management information memory module in the management information memory switch.

[0023] In the method of configuring the storage device system of the present invention in order to achieve the above object, the configuration of the invention in which the storage control device is added is such that the management information is the management information memory in the storage control device and the said. The management information memory switch is duplicated and stored, and when the storage control devices constituting this system are expanded from one unit to a plurality of units, the management information in the plurality of storage control devices is stored. A management information memory switch for connecting the memory is added, and in each of the duplicated management information systems, the management information memory and the management information memory switch are connected, and one of the duplicated management information systems is connected. The procedure of copying the management information of the blocked and unblocked management information system to the management information memory switch of the blocked management information system and then releasing the blockage is performed in the duplicated management. By executing each of the information systems in order, the storage position of the management information is changed from the management information memory in the storage control device to the management information memory switch, and the storage device system uses the management information. The access to the disk storage device from the host computer while the storage position of the device is being changed is processed by using the management information of the management information system that is not blocked.

[0024] In order to achieve the above object, in the method of configuring the storage device system of the present invention, the configuration of the invention in which the storage control device is removed is such that the management information is the management information memory in the storage control device and the above. When the management information memory and the management information memory switch are connected in each of the duplicated management information systems, the management information memory switch is duplicated and stored. When removing the storage control devices that make up this system from multiple units to one, one of the duplicated management information systems is blocked, and the management information of the unblocked management information system is displayed. , The management information is stored by copying the blocked management information system to the management information memory and then releasing the blockage by sequentially executing the procedure of releasing the blockage for each of the duplicated management information systems. The position is changed from the management information memory switch to the management information memory in the storage control device, and the storage device system is transferred to the disk storage device from the host computer whose management information storage position is being changed. Access is processed by using the management information of the system of the management information that is not blocked.

[0025] In the method of configuring the storage device system of the present invention in order to achieve the above object, another configuration of the invention of adding a storage control device is to increase the number of storage control devices constituting this system from one to a plurality. At the time of expansion, a management information memory switch for connecting the management information memories in the plurality of storage control devices is added, and the management information memory in the storage control device and the management information memory switch are connected to each other for the management. The management information stored in the information memory is copied to the management information memory switch, and the storage position of the management information is changed from the management information memory in the storage control device to the management information memory switch. , This storage device system accesses the disk storage device from the host computer while the storage position of the management information is being changed, and manages the management information stored in the management information memory in the storage control device which is the copy source. It is intended to be processed using.

[0026] In order to achieve the above object, in the method of configuring the storage device system of the present invention, another configuration of the invention for removing the storage control device is management of connecting the management information memories in the plurality of storage control devices. When the information memory switch is added, when the storage control devices constituting this system are removed from a plurality of units so as to be one unit, the management information stored in the management information memory switch is stored in the storage. By copying to the management information memory in the control device, the storage position of the management information is changed from the management information memory switch to the management information memory in the storage control device, and this storage device system has the management information. The access to the disk storage device from the host computer during the change of the storage position of is processed by using the management information stored in the management information memory switch which is the copy source.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. (I) Configuration of Storage Device System First, the configuration of the storage device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in the case where one storage control device constitutes the storage device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram when there are a plurality of storage control devices constituting the storage device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the storage device system shown in FIG. 1, there is one storage control device 3, and a host computer 1 is connected to the storage control device 3. Further, the disk storage device 4 and the maintenance terminal 5 are connected to the storage control device 3. The disk storage device 4 is composed of a large-capacity hard disk device. The maintenance terminal 5 is a terminal for giving an instruction to the storage control device 3 and displaying an internal state.

[0030] The storage control device 3 includes a channel interface 31, a disk interface 35, a management information memory 32, and a cache memory 33. Each part of the memory control device 3 is duplicated in order to improve reliability, and each part is connected by a path.

[0031] The channel interface 31 is a portion connected to the host computer 1. The disk interface 35 is a part connected to the disk storage device 4. The management information memory 32 is a non-volatile memory and stores management information necessary for system control.

[0032] The cache memory 33 is a memory for temporarily storing data in order to improve the performance when accessing the disk storage device 4 from the host computer 1.

[0033] The channel interface 31 includes a management information copy process 341 that copies the contents of management information from the other normal management information memory 32 when one management information memory 32 recovers. However, this management information copy process 341 may be placed on the disk interface 35.

[0034] The management information memory 32 is composed of a management information memory module 321 in the storage control device that stores management information and a management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device that controls the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device. There is.

[0035] The management information memory module 321 in the storage control device is a memory module for storing the management information of the storage device system 2.

[0036] Further, the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device has a controller operating state 342, a management information memory state 344, and a copied management information address 343.

[0037] The controller operating state 342 is information for managing an access destination when executing read / write of management information. The management information memory state 344 is information indicating the state of the management information memory 32. The copied management information address 343 is used by the management information copy process 341 to manage the progress of the management information copy.

[0038] Further, the cache memory 33 is composed of a cache memory module 331 for storing data and a cache memory controller 332 for controlling the cache memory module 331.

[0039] In the storage device system shown in FIG. 2, the storage control device 3 has a plurality of units, which is an upgrade of the storage device system of FIG. Further, the disk storage device 4 and the maintenance terminal 3 are connected to each storage control device 3.

[0040] The configuration of the memory control device 3 and the functions of each part are the same as those shown in FIG. Further, it is the same as the example shown in FIG. 1 that each part is duplicated and connected by a path.

[0041] In the configuration in which the storage control device 3 is a plurality of units, the cache memory switch 7 and the management information memory switch 6 are provided outside the storage control device 3, and the cache memory 33 of each storage control device 3 and the cache memory 33 are provided. The management information memory 32 is switched and connected.

[0042] The cache memory switch 7 has a cache memory switch controller 71 inside, and is connected to a cache memory controller 332 in the cache memory 33 of the storage control device 3.

[0043] Further, the management information memory switch 6 is internally composed of a management information memory switch controller 61, an in-switch management information memory module 62, and an in-switch management information memory controller 63, and is composed of a management information memory switch controller 63. It is connected to Lara 61 and the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device.

[0044] The in-switch management information memory module 62 is a memory module for storing management information.

The in-switch management information memory controller 63 is a part that controls the in-switch management information memory module 62, and has a management information memory state 345 inside. The management information memory state 345 is information indicating the state of the management information placed in the switch, and the management information memory state 344 of the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device 3 of each storage control device 3 and its state value are always the same. It is managed to match.

Further, since the management information memory 32 and the cache memory 33 are each duplicated, two management information memory switches 6 and two cache memory switches 7 are also required to connect them.

The relationship between the configuration of the storage device system 2 and the mounting site of the management information is as follows.

[0048] That is, when there is only one storage control device 3 constituting the storage device system 2, the management information is managed in the storage control device in the management information memory 32 of the storage control device 3 shown in FIG. Stored in the information memory module 321. This is because the management information memory switch 6 and the cache memory switch 7 are not required when the storage control device 3 is one, and the cost of the storage device system can be reduced by not implementing these.

On the other hand, when there are a plurality of storage control devices 3 constituting the storage device system 2, they are stored in the in-switch management information memory module 62 of the management information memory switch 6 shown in FIG. This is to ensure the access performance to the management information. In this case, the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of each storage control device 3 is unnecessary. (II) Procedure for changing the configuration of the storage device system Next, the procedure for changing the configuration of the storage device system according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding a storage control device 3 and a disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for removing the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] First, a procedure for adding a storage control device 3 and a disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] First, it is determined whether or not there is one existing storage control device 3 constituting the storage device system 2 (S301).

[0052] If there is not one, go to S306.

[0053] In the case of one unit, a management information memory switch 6 and a cache memory switch 7 are prepared and connected to the existing storage control device 3 (S302). In this case, it is necessary to newly install these switches.

Next, it is necessary to store the management information stored in the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of the existing storage control device 3 in the management information memory module 62 in the switch of the management information memory switch 6. Determine if there is enough memory capacity (S303).

If there is the required memory capacity, go to S305.

If the required memory capacity is not available, the in-switch management information memory module 62 is expanded to a capacity sufficient to store the management information stored in the storage control device in-management information memory module 321 (S304). ..

Next, the management information is copied from the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device 3 of the storage control device 3 to the management information memory module 62 in the switch of the management information memory switch 6 (S305). The copying procedure will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Next, the disk storage device 4 to be added is connected to the storage control device 3 to be added, and the storage control device 3 to be added is connected to the management information memory switch 6 and the cache memory switch 7 (S306).

Next, it is determined whether the in-switch management information memory module 62 of the management information memory switch 6 has the memory capacity required for adding the disk storage device 4 and the storage control device 3 (S307).

[0060] If there is a required memory capacity, go to S309.

[0061] When the required memory capacity is not available, the in-switch management information memory module 62 is expanded to a capacity sufficient for adding the disk storage device 4 and the storage control device 3 (S308).

Next, in the in-switch management information memory module 62, the management information for using the additional disk storage device 4 and the additional storage control device 3 is expanded (S309). The procedure is performed in the same manner as the addition of a disk storage device, a channel interface, and a disk interface in a conventional storage control device system.

[0063] Finally, the use of the added disk storage device 4 and the added storage control device 3 is started (S310).

Next, a procedure for removing the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the use of the disk storage device 4 to be removed and the storage control device 3 to be removed is stopped (S401).

Next, in the in-switch management information memory module 62, the management information required for using the disk storage device 4 to be removed and the storage control device 3 to be removed is deleted (S402). The procedure is performed in the same manner as the deletion of the storage device, the channel interface, and the disk interface in the conventional storage control device system.

Next, it is determined whether the in-switch management information memory module 62 of the management information memory switch 6 has a memory capacity to be reduced by removing the disk storage device 4 and the storage control device 3 (S403).

[0068] If there is no memory capacity to be reduced, go to S405.

[0069] When there is a memory capacity to be reduced, the management information memory module 62 in the switch is removed by the capacity reduced by removing the disk storage device 4 and the storage control device 3 (S404).

Next, the connection between the storage control device 3 to be removed, the management information memory switch 6, and the cache memory switch 7 is released (S405).

Next, as a result of the removal, it is determined whether or not the storage control device 3 constituting the storage device system 2 becomes one (S406).

[0072] If the number is not one, the removal procedure is completed.

[0073] When one unit is used, it is stored in the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of the storage control device 3 left in the system, and in the management information memory module 62 in the switch of the existing management information memory switch 6. Determine if there is enough memory to store management information (S407). In this case, the management information is transferred from the management information memory switch 6 to the management information memory 32 in the storage control device.

[0074] If there is a required memory capacity, go to S409.

[0075] When the required memory capacity is not available, the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device is expanded to a capacity sufficient to store the management information stored in the management information memory module 62 in the switch (S408). ..

Next, the management information is copied from the management information memory module 62 in the management information memory switch 6 to the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device 3 which is left in the system (S409). The copying procedure will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Finally, the connection between the storage control device 3 left in the system, the management information memory switch 6, and the cache memory switch 7 is released (S410). (III) Details of management information copy processing and management information access processing Next, the detailed procedure of management information copy processing and management information access processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for copying management information when adding / removing the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the management information copy process 341 executed in the channel interface 31. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for accessing the management information from the channel interface 31 other than the management information copy processing 341 and the disk interface 35.

[0078] Here, before explaining the details of the procedure regarding the management information, a preliminary concept and points to be noted will be described.

[0079] In the present embodiment, in order to ensure reliability, each part in the storage control device 3, the channel interface 31, the disk interface 35, the management information memory 32, and the cache memory 33 are all duplicated. ing. In addition, the cache memory switch 6 and the management information memory switch 7 are also duplicated accordingly.

[0080] Therefore, regarding the copy processing of the management information, it is necessary to perform each of them, and because it is duplicated, even if one of the management information cannot be referred to, the other system is referred to. Note that it is not necessary to stop the operation of the storage control device 3 when possible. However, when the process of writing management information occurs during copying, it is necessary to pay attention to the integrity of the data.

Next, the management information memory state is for controlling the management information copy processing and other access processing, and has three types of states: "normal", "blocked", and "copying". "Normal" means that the management information in the management information memory can be referred to and used. "Blocked" means that the management information in the management information memory cannot be referred to. "Copying" means that the management information is being copied to the management information memory.

[0082] In the present embodiment, all the management information is duplicated for the sake of simplicity, but the scope of the present invention is not limited even if the management information is not duplicated. The management information that does not need to stop the operation of the storage control device 3 even if it cannot be referenced / updated does not need to be the target of the management information copy processing 341, and the management information memory states 344 and 345 are "blocked". In that case, reference / update is not possible, and by reconfiguring before the management information memory states 344 and 345 become "normal", if the management information memory states 344 and 345 are "normal", reference / update is possible. It should be controlled so as to be.

[0083] The management information memory state is possessed by both the management information memory controller 342 in the storage control device in the storage control device 3 and the management information memory controller in the switch in the management information memory switch 6. When the systems are the same, a rule is provided to match both values.

Next, the management information in the storage control device 3 in the storage control device 3 The controller operating state 342 in the memory controller 342 indicates the location of the management information accessed by each system of the storage control device 3. Yes, when this value is "in-switch management information access", the management information in the management information memory switch 6 is accessed, and when this value is "in-storage control device management information access", in the storage control device 3. A certain management information It means to access the management information in the memory switch.

[0085] When copying the management information, first, from the maintenance terminal 5, the management information memory states 344 and 345 of one of the duplicated systems are set as "blocked" (S501). At this time, note that the management information memory states 344 and 345 of both the storage control device 3 and the management information memory switch 6 are "blocked".

[0086] By setting the management information memory state to "blocked", reference / update of management information from the channel interface 31 and the disk interface 35 is suppressed.

[0087] Even if the management information memory states 344 and 345 of one of the duplicated systems are in the "blocked" state, the storage device system 2 is a management information memory module in the storage control device of the other duplicated system. The operation can be continued by using the management information stored in the management information memory module 62 in the switch or the management information 321.

Next, it is determined whether or not the copy direction of the management information is the direction of the management information memory switch 6 from the storage control device 3 (S502).

[0089] When the copy direction of the management information is from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6, it is when the number of the storage control devices 3 is increased from one to a plurality and the management information memory switch 6 is added. On the contrary, when the copy direction of the management information is from the management information memory switch 6 to the storage control device 3, the number of the storage control devices 3 is reduced from a plurality of units to one, and the management information memory switch 6 is removed.

[0090] When the copy direction of the management information is from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6, from the maintenance terminal 5, the closed storage control device in the management information memory module 321 or in the switch. Change the controller operating status 342 of the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device used when referencing / updating the management information memory module 62 from "management information access in the storage control device" to "management information access in the switch". (S503). As a result, the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device executes a subsequent access request for the management information to the management information in the switch.

On the contrary, when the copy direction of the management information is from the management information memory switch 6 to the storage control device 3, the management information memory module 321 or the switch in the storage control device that is closed from the maintenance terminal 5 Internal management information The controller operating status 342 of the internal management information memory controller 322 used when referencing / updating the memory module 62 is changed from "in-switch management information access" to "internal management information access". (S504). As a result, the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device executes the subsequent access request to the management information for the management information in the storage control device.

Next, the maintenance terminal 5 sets the blocked management information memory states 344 and 345 to be being copied, and starts the management information copy process 341 (S505). The details of the management information copy process 341 will be described next with reference to FIG.

Next, it waits for the management information copy process 341 to finish (S506).

Next, from the maintenance terminal 5, it is confirmed that the management information memory states 344 and 345 that are being copied are normal (S507).

[0095] At this point, the management information is duplicated in a state of being stored in the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of one of the duplicated systems and in the management information memory module 62 in the switch of the other duplicated system. It will be done.

Next, the management information memory states 344 and 345 of the other duplicated system are set to "blocked" (S508), and the same processing as before is executed (S509 to S514), and finally. , Storage control from the state where the management information is duplicated in the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device to the state where it is duplicated in the management information memory module 62 in the switch, or from the state where it is duplicated in the management information memory module 62 in the switch. In-device management information The memory module 321 shifts to the duplicated state.

Next, a detailed procedure of the management information copy process 341 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] The management information copy process 341 is a process called in S505 and S512 of FIG. 5, but can also be used in a similar case of recovering the management information memory 32.

[0099] In the management information copy process 341, first, the copied management information address 343 is set at the beginning of the management information copy destination (S601).

Next, it is determined whether the copied management information address 343 is the end of the management information copy destination (S602).

[0101] When the terminal is terminated, the management information memory states 344 and 345 being copied are set to normal (S606), and the management information copy process 341 is terminated.

[0102] If it is not the end, a certain amount of management information is read from the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device or the management information memory module 62 in the switch on the side where the management information memory state 344 that is the copy source is normal. Write to the management information memory module 62 in the switch or the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device on the side where the management information memory status 344 to be copied is being copied (S603).

Next, the copied management information address 343 is added by the amount of the copied management information (S604).

Next, the management information copy process 341 is interrupted for a certain period of time in order to reduce the deterioration of the processing performance for the read / write request from the running host (S605). Then, after a certain period of time has passed, the process returns to S602.

Next, an access procedure for management information other than the management information copy processing 341 in the channel interface 31 and the disk interface 35 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0106] In this process, it is important not to lose the integrity of the data being copied when writing the management information.

[0107] First, it is determined whether the management information memory state 344 of both systems is normal by referring to the management information memory state 344 of both systems (S701).

At that time, the controller operating state 342 of the management information memory controller 322 in the storage control device determines whether to access the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device or the management information memory module 62 in the switch. Pay attention to.

[0109] When the management information memory states 344 and 345 of both systems are normal, the management information of both systems is accessed (S703).

[0110] When one of the management information memory states 344 is not normal, it is determined whether the management information memory state 344 which is not normal is "copying" (S704).

[0111] If it is not "copying", the management information memory state 344 accesses the normal management information (S705).

[0112] When "copying" is performed, the copied management information address 343 is referred to (S706), and it is determined whether the access request is written and the access destination address is on the leading side of the copied management information address 343 (S707). ..

[0113] If the condition is not satisfied, go to S705. In this case, even if it is a data read or a data write, it is sufficient to write the data to the copy source.

[0114] When the condition is satisfied, the write is executed for both management information (S708). This is to maintain the identity of the duplicated management information at the end of the management information copy process 341. That is, the light at this time is also applied to the copy destination. The write executed for this "copying" management information will be executed for the copy destination according to the value set in the controller operating state 342. (IV) Outline of Data Flow and Processing of Management Information Copy Processing Next, the outline of data flow and processing of management information copy processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a data flow and an outline of the processing of the copy processing of the management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and stores the management information in the storage control device of the storage control device 3. It is a figure when copying from a module 321 to the management information memory module 6 in a switch in a management information memory switch 6. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a data flow and an outline of the processing of the copy processing of the management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the management information is stored in the management information memory switch 6 in the switch. It is a figure when copying from a module 6 to the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of the storage control device 3.

[0115] FIG. 8 shows when the management information is copied from the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device 3 of the storage control device 3 to the management information memory module 62 in the switch in the management information memory switch 6. This is the operation performed when the storage control device 3 is newly added from one unit to a plurality of units, and when the management information memory switch 6 is added.

[0116] Since each part of this memory control device is duplicated, it will be represented as a system A and a system B in FIG. The upper part is the memory control device 3, and the lower part is the management information memory switch 6. A management information memory module 321 in the storage control device is placed in the storage control device 3, and a management information memory module 62 in the switch is placed in the management information memory switch 6. Next to that is the management information memory state, and what is written outside the box is the value of each controller operating state.

[0117] Since FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of data flow and processing, no extra components are described. Further, in the following, the fact that the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of the storage control device 3 has the management information is simply expressed as "the storage control device 3 has the management information", and the management information memory switch 6 is used. The fact that the management information memory module 62 in the switch of the above has management information is simply expressed as "the management information memory switch 6 has management information."

First, in FIG. 8A of the initial state, the management information of the A system and the B system are both in the storage control device 3, and the management information memory state is both normal. The management information memory state of the storage control device 3 having the same system is always the same as that of the management information memory switch 6. The controller operating state is "access to management information in the storage device". In this state, the storage control device 3 accesses and operates the management information in the storage control device 3.

[0119] When attempting to copy, first, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the management information memory state of the A system is set to "blocked" (S501 in FIG. 5). As a result, the management information of the A system is not used by the storage control device 3.

Next, the operating state of the controller of the A system is changed to "in-switch management information access" (S503 in FIG. 5), the management information memory state of the A system is set to "copying", and the copy process is started. (S505 in Figure 5). The copy source is the B system storage control device 3 because the B system controller operating state is "storage device internal management information access" and the B system management information memory state is "normal". The copy destination is the A system management information memory switch 6 because the A system controller operation status is "in-switch management information access" and the A system management information memory status is "copying" (S603 in Fig. 6). ..

When copying is completed, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the management information memory status of the A system is set to "normal" (S606 in FIG. 6), and the management information memory status of the B system is set to "blocked". (S508 in Figure 5). Then, the controller operation state of the B system is changed to "in-switch management information access" (S510 in Fig. 5), the management information memory state of the B system is set to "copying", and the copy process is performed again. Start (S512 in Figure 5). The copy source is the A system management information memory switch 6 because the A system controller operating state is "in-switch management information access" and the A system management information memory state is "normal". The copy destination is the B-system management information memory switch 6 because the B-system controller operating status is "in-switch management information access" and the B-system management information memory status is "copying" (S603 in Fig. 6). ..

[0122] When the second copy process is completed, the management information memory state of the B system is set to "normal" as shown in FIG. 8 (d) (S606 in FIG. 6). In the state shown in FIG. 8D, the storage control device 3 can access and operate the management information in the management information memory switch 6 in the duplicated state.

Next, FIG. 9 shows that the management information is transferred from the management information memory module 62 in the management information memory switch 6 to the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device 3 of the storage control device 3. This is an operation performed when copying, when the storage control device 3 is changed from a plurality of units to one, and when the management information memory switch 6 is removed.

First, in FIG. 9A of the initial state, the management information of the A system and the B system are both in the management information memory switch 6, and the management information memory state is both normal. As in the above example, the management information memory state of the storage control device 3 having the same system and the management information memory switch 6 always match. The controller operating state is "in-switch management information access". In this state, the storage control device 3 accesses and operates the management information in the management information memory switch 6.

[0125] When attempting to copy, first, as shown in FIG. 9B, the management information memory state of the A system is set to "blocked" (S501 in FIG. 5). As a result, the management information of the A system is not used by the storage control device 3.

Next, the operating state of the controller of the A system is changed to "management information access in the storage control device" (S504 in FIG. 5), the management information memory state of the A system is set to "copying", and the copy process is performed. (S505 in Figure 5). The copy source is the B-system management information memory switch 6 because the B-system controller operating status is "in-switch management information access" and the B-system management information memory status is "normal". The copy destination is the storage control device 3 of the A system because the controller operation status of the A system is "access to management information in the storage control device" and the management information memory status of the A system is "copying" (S603 in FIG. 6). ).

[0127] When the copy is completed, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), the management information memory status of the A system is set to "normal" (S606 in FIG. 6), and the management information memory status of the B system is set to "blocked". (S508 in Figure 5). Then, the operating state of the controller of the B system is changed to "management information access in the storage control device" (S511 in FIG. 5), the management information memory state of the B system is set to "copying", and copying is performed again. Start processing (S512 in Figure 5). The copy source is the A system storage control device 3 because the A system controller operating state is "management information access in the storage control device" and the A system management information memory state is "normal". The copy destination is the B-system storage control device 3 because the B-system controller operating status is "storage control device internal management information access" and the B-system management information memory status is "copying" (S603 in FIG. 6). ).

[0128] When the second copy process is completed, the management information memory state of the B system is set to "normal" as shown in FIG. 9 (d) (S606 in FIG. 6). In the state shown in FIG. 9D, the storage control device 3 can access and operate the management information in the storage control device 3 in the duplicated state.

[Embodiment 2] Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the description of the parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will be focused on the technical differences thereof. (I) Configuration of Storage Device System First, the configuration of the storage device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram in the case where one storage control device constitutes the storage device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram in the case where a plurality of storage control devices constituting the storage device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention are provided.

[0131] In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the management information of the storage device system 2 is copied between the storage control device 3 and the management information memory switch 6, each part of the storage control device 3 is duplicated. On the premise that it exists, the management information of one system is blocked and copy processing is performed. That is, in order for the storage device system to operate without stopping even during copying, redundancy that each part of the storage control device 3 is duplicated is indispensable.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the storage device system can be operated without stopping even during copying without necessarily assuming duplication of each part of the storage control device 3.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 10, in a storage device system in which the storage control device of the present embodiment is one, the difference from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the management information copy process 346 It was moved from the channel interface 31 to the management information memory controller 323 in the storage control device, and the management information copy information 347 was provided instead of the management information memory state 344. The management information copy information 347 is information indicating the copy direction and its operating state, and clears "storage system management information memory switch: copying" and "management information memory switch storage system: copying". It has three types of values. When it is a clear value, it means that copying has not been performed.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11, in a storage device system in which the storage control device of the present embodiment is a plurality of units, the difference from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is the management information memory in the storage control device. The controller 323 has the management information copy process 346 and the management information copy information 347, and the management information memory switch 6 has the management information copy information 348. The management information copy information 348 is always set to the same value as the management information copy information 347.

[0135] In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, each part of the memory control device 3 is described in duplicate as in the first embodiment, but it is not always necessary to perform the copy process. It does not have to be duplicated. (II) Procedure for changing the configuration of the storage device system The procedure for changing the configuration of the storage device system of the present embodiment is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in the first embodiment.

[0136] That is, the procedure for adding the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 is as shown in FIG. 3, and the storage control device 3 and the disk storage constituting the storage device system 2 are described. The procedure for adding the device 4 is described with reference to FIG. (III) Details of management information copy processing and management information access processing Next, the detailed procedure of management information copy processing and management information access processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for copying management information when adding / removing the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the management information copy process 346 executed in the storage control device 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for accessing the management information from the channel interface 31 other than the management information copy processing 346 and the disk interface 35.

[0137] First, when copying the management information, as shown in FIG. 12, the management information copy process 346 by designating the copy direction from the maintenance terminal 5 to the management information memory controller 323 in the storage control device. Is started (S1001). That is, when the management information memory switch 6 is added, it is copied from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6, and when the management information memory switch 6 is removed, the storage control device 3 is copied from the management information memory switch 6. Specify to copy to.

Then, it waits for the end of the management information copy process 346 of the management information memory controller 323 in the storage control device (S1002).

Next, the management information copy process 346 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0140] First, the copied management information address 343 is set at the beginning of the management information copy destination (S1101).

Next, it is determined whether the copy direction of the management information is the direction from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6 (S1102).

[0142] When the copy direction of the management information is from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6, the management information copy information 348 of the management information memory switch 6 is changed to "storage control device-> management information switch: copying". (S1103), and further, the management information copy information 347 of the storage control device 3 is similarly set to "storage control device-> management information switch: copying" (S1104).

On the contrary, when the copy direction of the management information is the direction from the management information memory switch 6 to the storage control device 3, the management information copy information 348 of the management information memory switch 6 is changed to management information switch storage control device. Set to ": Copying" (S1105), and further set the management information copy information 347 of the storage control device 3 to "Management information switch-> Storage control device: Copying" (S1106).

Next, it is determined whether the copied management information address 343 is the end of the management information copy destination (S1107).

[0145] If it is the end, go to S1111.

[0146] If it is not the terminal, a certain amount of management information is read from the storage control device internal management information memory module 321 or the switch internal management information memory module 62, which is the copy source, and the in-switch management information memory is the copy destination. Write to module 62 or the management information memory module 321 in the storage controller (S1108).

Next, the copied management information address 343 is added by the amount of the copied management information (S1109).

Next, in order not to wait for an access request from the channel interface 31 and the disk interface 35 for a long time, the management information copy process 346 is interrupted for a certain period of time (S1110). After a certain period of time, go to S1107.

[0149] When the copy is completed, the management information copy information 347 of the storage control device 3 is cleared (S1111). Furthermore, the management information copy information 348 of the management information memory switch 6 is cleared (S1112).

Next, it is determined again whether the copy direction of the management information is the direction from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6 (S1113).

[0151] When the copy direction of the management information is from the storage control device 3 to the management information memory switch 6, the controller operating state 342 is changed from "storage control device management information access" to "switch management information access". Change (S1114).

[0152] When the copy direction of the management information is from the management information memory switch 6 to the storage control device 3, the controller operating state 342 is changed from "in-switch management information access" to "in-storage control device management information access". Change (S1115).

[0153] The controller operating state 342 indicates whether the management information is accessed by the storage control device 3 or the management information switch 6. Therefore, the management information after the copying is completed is always accessed by the management information of the copy destination.

[0154] Next, it is a flowchart which shows the access procedure of the management information from the channel interface 31 other than the management information copy processing 346, and the disk interface 35, using FIG.

[0155] First, it is determined whether the controller operating state 342 is "access to management information in the storage control device" (S1201).

[0156] When the controller operating state 342 is "access to management information in the storage control device", an access request is executed for the management information in the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device (S1202). When the controller operating state 342 is "in-switch management information access", an access request is executed for the management information of the in-switch management information memory module 62 via the management information memory switch 6 (S1203).

Next, it is determined whether the management information copy information 347 is a clear value (S1204).

[0158] If the value is a clear value, the processing of the access request is terminated. This means that when the management information copy information 347 has a clear value, the copy processing is not performed, and only normal processing is required.

[0159] If it is not a clear value, it means that copying is currently in progress. In this case, the access destination is the copy source. Then, at this time, the copied management information address 343 is referred to (S1205), and it is determined whether or not the access request is written and the access destination address is on the leading side of the copied management information address 343 (S1206). When the access destination address is on the front side of the copied management information address 343, it means that the access is to the area where the copy has already been completed. This is because the copy process is performed from the beginning of the address to the end of the address.

[0160] If the condition is not satisfied, the processing of the access request is terminated. In this case, it means that the access request is a read request, or even if it is a write request, it is a write request to a point in an area that has not yet been copied. In this case, simply write the data to the copy source.

[0161] When the condition is satisfied, it is determined whether the controller operating state 342 is "access to management information in the storage control device" (S1207).

[0162] When the controller operating state 342 is "access to management information in the storage control device", the management information of the management information memory module 62 in the switch is also written via the management information memory switch 6 (S1208).

[0163] When the controller operating state 342 is "access to management information in the switch", the management information of the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device is also written (S1209).

[0164] That is, when this condition is satisfied, since the access area is the area that has been copied at the time of writing, the data is also written to the copy destination and managed when the copy process is completed. This is to ensure the integrity of the information.

[Effect of the Invention] According to the present invention, the configuration of the storage device system can be easily changed, and the components of a plurality of storage device systems are combined into one storage device system. However, by managing the storage system logically as a single storage system and selecting the storage position of the management information according to the configuration of the storage system, any configuration can be used. It is possible to centrally manage management information and provide a storage device system that does not deteriorate access performance.

[0166] Further, according to the present invention, even when the configuration of the storage device system is changed, the storage device system can be accessed from the host to the disk storage device without stopping the operation of the storage device system. A configuration method can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram in the case where one storage control device constitutes the storage device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram in the case where a plurality of storage control devices constituting the storage device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention are provided.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding a storage control device 3 and a disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for removing the storage control device 3 and the disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for copying management information when adding / removing a storage control device 3 and a disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a management information copy process 341 executed in the channel interface 31.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for accessing management information from a channel interface 31 other than the management information copy process 341 and a disk interface 35.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a data flow and an outline of processing of copy processing of management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and stores management information in a storage control device of the storage control device 3. It is a figure when copying from a module 321 to the management information memory module 6 in a switch in a management information memory switch 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a data flow and an outline of processing of copy processing of management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which management information is stored in the management information memory switch 6. It is a figure when copying from a module 6 to the management information memory module 321 in the storage control device of the storage control device 3.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram in the case where one storage control device constitutes the storage device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram in the case where a plurality of storage control devices constituting the storage device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention are provided.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for copying management information when adding / removing a storage control device 3 and a disk storage device 4 constituting the storage device system 2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a management information copy process 346 executed in the storage control device 3.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for accessing management information from a channel interface 31 other than the management information copy process 346 and a disk interface 35.

[Description of code] 1 ... Host computer 2 ... Storage system 3 ... Storage control device 31 ... Channel interface 341, 346 ... Management information copy processing 35 ... Disk interface 33 .. .Cache memory 32 ... Management information memory 321 ... Storage control device management information Memory modules 322, 323 ... Storage control device management information Memory controller 342 ... Controller operating status 343 ... Copyed management Information address 344, 345 ... Management information Memory status 347, 348 ... Management information Copy information 4 ... Disk storage device 5 ... Maintenance terminal 6 ... Management information Memory switch 62 ... In-switch management Information memory modules 63, 64 ... In-switch management Information memory controller 7 ... Cache memory switch