Design and implementation of algorithm with multichannel load balancing and failover for generic storage area networks

This paper presents the design of an algorithm to provide end-to-end multichannel load balancing and failover for generic SANs. A virtual channel is formed by the aggregation of multiple subchannels. This provides scalability as sub-channels can be added or removed when required. Multiple sub-channels also improve the reliability of-storage network. By exchanging information between 2 hosts, the algorithm is also able to balance both the transmission and reception load. Additional information can be added to transmitted packets by lowering the MTU value of a virtual network interface. This additional information can be used to identify the network storage protocol used so as to provide end-to-end multichannel functionality independent of the network storage protocol used. Results have shown that the implementation is able to provide higher throughput with the added benefits of end-to-end load balancing and failover to both hyperSCSI and iSCSI