Auto-adapting Cache Memory Array Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cache memory systems face challenges in maintaining data integrity and availability when a storage device fails, particularly in solid-state disk drives used in disk arrays, as they lack effective mechanisms for reconstructing lost data and reconfiguring arrays to maintain high availability.
Innovation Solution
The system detects a failed storage device in an 'n' device array, reconfigures it into an 'n−1' device array, and reconstructs lost data by converting 'n' device array formatted data into 'n−1' device array format, utilizing a combination of data segments and coded targets to ensure high availability, such as RAID 5 or mirrored configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid state disk drives are used in disk arrays to eliminate moving parts and reduce seek time, then reliability and speed are improved, but data loss occurs when a storage device fails and the system lacks mechanisms for reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing coded data (parity information) across the storage devices before any failure occurs. When a device fails, the lost data can be immediately reconstructed using the pre-stored coded data from remaining devices, eliminating the need for complex real-time reconstruction algorithms and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coded data as an intermediary element that mediates between the stored data and the reconstruction process. This coded data acts as a buffer that contains the necessary information to reconstruct lost data, simplifying the reconstruction process and enabling faster recovery compared to direct reconstruction methods.
2Reliability
If the system reconstructs lost data and reconfigures the array from 'n' device array to 'n−1' device array, then data availability is maintained, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration by transitioning from an 'n' device array to an '(n-1)' device array when a failure occurs. The reconfiguration process is automated and flexible, allowing the system to adjust its structure in response to failures while maintaining data availability. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize its configuration based on current operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting device failures, initiating reconstruction processes, and reconfiguring the array without requiring manual intervention. The automated detection and reconfiguration mechanisms enable the system to maintain itself, reducing operational complexity and ensuring continuous data availability through self-healing capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the system uses coded target storage devices for data reconstruction, then data recovery capability is improved, but storage capacity is reduced due to overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial redundancy by storing coded data only for the purpose of reconstruction, rather than maintaining full copies of all data. This partial action approach provides sufficient recovery capability while minimizing the storage overhead associated with complete redundancy, achieving an optimal balance between data protection and capacity utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for detecting a failed storage device within an “n” device array. The “n” device array is configured to store “n” device array formatted data. The “n” device array is reconfigured into an “n−1” device array. The “n” device array formatted data is written to the “n−1” device array in an “n−1” device array format.