System and method for enabling a data/video server to implement operation in accordance with a new connection diagram, and a data/video server including that system

摘要

A data/video server having the following elements: n I/O access channel connectors, m storage arrays and a commutator which connects individual ones of the I/O access channel connectors to different individual ones of the storage arrays in accordance with a connection diagram with which the server is being operated in accordance with at a given time, further includes a system (operating in accordance with a method) for enabling it to implement operation in accordance with a new connection diagram (which can enable the bandwidth provided to one or more I/O access channels coupled thereto to be changed). That system includes a bandwidth manager for generating a new connection diagram; and a control system, coupled to the bandwidth manager, for obtaining the new connection diagram and causing the elements of the server to implement operation in accordance with the new connection diagram. The bandwidth manager is included in one of the storage arrays, and the control system is made of microprocessors which are individually included in each of the different elements of the server. First counters are included in each of the elements to aid in synchronizing those elements so that they can implement operation in accordance the new connection diagram at substantially the same time. Second counters are included in the elements to aid the microprocessors ensuring that as the elements implement operation in accordance with the new connection diagram, by begin operating in accordance therewith, the beginning of such operating is subject to and in accordance with one or more transition rules. The server also includes a counter signal generator for incrementing the first and second counters when appropriate.