Cluster shared volumes
US7840730B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/2046
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Described is a technology by which a storage volume is shared by cluster nodes of a server cluster. In one implementation, each node includes a redirector that provides shared access to the volume from that node. The redirector routes file system metadata requests from applications and the like through a first (e.g., SMB) communications path to the owning node, and routes file system read and write data to the storage device through a second, high-speed communications path such as direct direct block level I/O. An owning node maintains ownership of the storage device through a persistent reservation mechanism that writes a key to a registration table associated with the storage device. Non-owning nodes write a shared key. The owning node validates the shared keys against cluster membership data, and preempts (e.g., removes) any key deemed not valid. Security mechanisms for controlling access are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.