Patent ID: 7752387
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for executing instructions in a RAID storage system having a RAID adapter, at least one array enclosure external to the RAID adapter, and a connecting fabric through which the RAID adapter and the at least one array enclosure are coupled, each enclosure including a disk array processor and a pair of redundant disk array switches, each switch coupled to an array of storage drives and to the disk array processor, the method comprising: a) initiating a drive firmware update operation in the RAID adapter; b) dispatching a command from the RAID adapter to the disk array processor in the at least one array enclosure directing the disk array processor to perform the drive firmware update operation on one or more selected storage drives in the at least one array enclosure; c) transferring the drive firmware update from the RAID adapter to the disk array processor; d) directing one of the disk array switches in the enclosure to establish a path from the disk array processor to one of the selected storage drives; e) isolating the one selected storage drive while allowing the disk array processor to maintain access to other storage drives in the enclosure; f) uploading the drive firmware update into the one selected storage drive; g) repeating steps d) through f) for each other selected storage drive; h) transmitting results of the drive firmware update operation from the disk array processor to the RAID adapter; and i) receiving the results in the RAID adapter from the disk array processor.