Block Storage Migration via Unified Data Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in seamlessly migrating data between block-based and file-based systems, particularly in maintaining consistent LUN identities across different storage locations, which complicates storage management and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A unified data path architecture that combines block-based and file-based functionality, enabling data migration through a distributed data manager and IO stack, ensuring that LUN identities are maintained similar across systems, facilitating efficient storage reallocation and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is migrated between block-based and file-based storage systems, then storage utilization is improved, but LUN identity consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage processor as an intermediary component that sits between the hosts and the storage systems. This storage processor maintains LUN identity information and translates access requests, allowing data to be migrated between block-based and file-based systems while preserving the original LUN identities that hosts recognize. The intermediary handles the complexity of identity mapping transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and maintains copies of LUN identity information and mapping data within the storage processor. By copying and storing the original LUN identity associations, the system can present consistent LUN identities to hosts even when the underlying physical storage location changes during migration between different storage system types.
2Device complexity
If separate management is used for block-based and file-based storage systems, then system complexity is reduced, but storage reallocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage processor is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow it to manage both block-based storage (LUNs) and file-based storage (files) through a unified interface. This universal management approach enables efficient storage reallocation across both storage types while maintaining a single point of control, reducing the need for separate management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the management of block-based and file-based storage systems into a single unified system through the storage processor. By combining previously separate management functions into one integrated component, the system achieves both simplified complexity and improved storage reallocation efficiency through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method for managing data storage. In one embodiment, the method comprises operating a storage processor of a first data storage system at a first location. The storage processor comprising a first distributed data manager and an IO stack arranged therein such that distributed data manager can receive a LUN outputted by IO stack. The method also comprises initiating a communication between first distributed data manager and second distributed data manager associated with a second data storage system at a second location. The method further comprises migrating stored data on first data storage system to second data storage system and providing LUN information associated with stored data to second data storage system such that a LUN identify of migrated data stored on second data storage system is similar to a LUN identity of corresponding stored data on first data storage system.