Bid/Ask Protocol for Scale-Out NVMe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage protocols are not capable of leveraging the technological shift towards non-linear, dynamic adaptive systems in non-volatile memory (NVM) systems, limiting the scalability of data centers and requiring central intelligence for resource allocation, which restricts flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bid/ask protocol is implemented in scale-out NVMe storage systems, where storage nodes maintain self-awareness of their status and willingness to provide resources, allowing for distributed allocation and reservation of storage resources without a central point of intelligence, enabling asymmetric and dynamic data placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central intelligence architecture is used for storage resource allocation, then system reliability and control are improved, but device complexity and scalability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized storage management function into distributed components. Each storage node independently performs resource allocation decisions based on local bid/ask protocols, eliminating the need for a single central controller while maintaining system reliability through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage nodes are empowered with self-service capabilities to autonomously allocate and manage storage resources. Each node maintains its own resource status awareness and can independently respond to allocation requests without external control, reducing overall system complexity while preserving reliability through decentralized decision-making.
2Ease of operation
If a central intelligence architecture is used for storage resource allocation, then control capability is improved, but scalability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control function is segmented into distributed control units at each storage node. This segmentation enables the system to scale horizontally by simply adding more independent nodes, each maintaining full control capability through the bid/ask protocol without requiring a more complex central controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage node is designed as a universal unit that can both request and provide storage resources. This multi-functionality allows any node to assume any role in the system, enabling flexible scaling and adaptation to different system configurations without requiring specialized control architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If deterministic linear host-target relationship is used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to NVM systems is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability into the host-target relationship through the bid/ask protocol. Storage nodes can dynamically adjust their resource availability and allocation decisions based on real-time system conditions, enabling the system to adapt to NVM characteristics while maintaining stability through structured protocol governance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the host-target relationship by enabling storage nodes to modify their resource status and allocation preferences dynamically. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to different NVM device characteristics and operating conditions while maintaining overall system stability through the structured bid/ask interaction framework.
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AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving by first network device a request for storage resources from a second network device; evaluating a willingness of the first network device to provide the requested storage resources and assigning a willingness score based on the evaluating; determining whether the willingness score is greater than a minimum value; and if the willingness score is greater than the minimum value, providing a response to the request from the first network device to the second network device, wherein the response comprises a bid by the first network device to provide the requested storage resources to the second network device.