Using broadcast for parallelized and rapid slice replication in a dispersed storage network

Abstract

Methods for use in a dispersed storage network (DSN) to enable rapid replication of data slices. Following dispersed storage error encoding of a data segment by a device of the DSN, slice naming information is generated for the resulting set of data slices. The slice naming information includes slice names and indicates a naming convention utilized for uniquely identifying replicated data slices. A set of write slice requests, including the slice naming information and the set of data slices, is then generated and broadcast or multicast to multiple sets of storage units of the DSN. Upon receipt of a write slice request, the recipient storage unit generates an updated slice name according to the naming convention and stores both the data slice and updated slice name in local memory. The data slice may be subsequently read from the storage unit by identifying the updated slice name in a read request.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0001]Not applicable.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to computer networks, and more particularly to replicating error encoded data in a dispersed storage network.[0004]Description of Related Art[0005]Computing devices are known to communicate data, process data, and / or store data. Such computing devices range from wireless smart phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers (PC), work stations, and video game devices, to data centers that support millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line purchases every day. In general, a computing device includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory system, user input / output interfaces, peripheral device interfaces, and an interconnecting bus structure.[0006]As is further known, a computer may effectively extend its CPU by ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for storing data in a distributed network of computers. The system uses error encoding to protect data from failure of individual memory devices. The system includes a plurality of computing devices, a managing unit, an integrity processing unit, and a DSN memory. The system also includes a network for communication between the components. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more efficient and secure way of storing data in a distributed network of computers.

Problems solved by technology

While RAID systems can address certain memory device failures, these systems may suffer from effectiveness, efficiency and security issues.

For instance, as more disks are added to the array, the probability of a disk failure rises, which may increase maintenance costs.

When a disk fails, for example, it needs to be manually replaced before another disk(s) fails and the data stored in the RAID system is lost.

While this may reduce the possibility of data loss, it also raises security issues since multiple copies of data may be available, thereby increasing the chances of unauthorized access.

In addition, co-location of some RAID devices may result in a risk of a complete data loss in the event of a natural disaster, fire, power surge / outage, etc.

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