Patent ID: 8619555

Claim:
A machine implemented method for transmitting an input/output (â€œI/Oâ€) request between a storage system and a storage array, comprising: assigning a weight to a plurality of factors for determining a path quality of a plurality of paths between the storage system and the storage array; wherein a value of each weight is based on a likely contribution of each factor to a repetition of an error reported by a current path that is being used for transmitting the I/O request; and wherein the path quality provides a likelihood of reporting an error on an alternate path similar to the error reported on the current path; assigning a threshold value for a path quality of each alternate path available to transmit the I/O request, when the current path reports an error; wherein the threshold value is a minimum path quality for selecting a path for transmitting the I/O request without having to evaluate other available alternate paths; determining if an alternate path is available for transmitting the I/O request, after an error is reported by the current path; determining a path quality of the alternate path based on the weights assigned to the plurality of factors; and selecting the alternate path when the path quality of the alternate path is at least equal to the threshold value.