Patent ID: 6820212
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
The process of maintaining the channel capacity of a RAID system having storage array controllers which control direct access storage devices (DASD) and which generate a binary signal termed a heartbeat when the storage array controllers are operational when an active storage array controller fails comprising the steps of:a. ceasing the emission of the heartbeat by a defective active storage array controller, b. detecting the cessation of the heartbeat by a defective active storage array controller and emission of an activation signal by a reporter active storage array controller, c. detecting the activation signal by a passive storage array controller and assuming the identity of the defective active storage array controller by the passive storage array controller, d. identifying the DASD of the defective storage array controller by the passive storage controller using a table on each DASD, e. assuming control of the DASD of the defective storage array controller by the passive storage controller.