Cache Memory De-duplication via Dual Address Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtualized storage systems face inefficiencies in cache memory management due to the high rate of data change in cache memory compared to physical storage, leading to duplicate data copies and reduced storage capacity, as they primarily rely on logical addresses for data indexing without considering physical addresses.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that searches and indexes data units in cache memory based on both logical and physical addresses, allowing for accurate identification and retrieval of data even if the logical address in the read request differs from the cached address, thereby avoiding duplicate copies and optimizing cache memory usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data de-duplication is implemented in cache memory using logical address indexing, then storage space efficiency is improved, but data retrieval speed deteriorates due to the high rate of data change and duplicate copies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoiddata retrieval speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new indexing dimension by incorporating physical addresses alongside logical addresses. The cache memory is organized with dual indexing capabilities, allowing data to be located through either logical address translation or direct physical address matching, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and retrieval speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cache manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between the logical address space and physical address space. This manager maintains the address translation table and directs retrieval operations, enabling efficient de-duplication while maintaining fast access through physical address direct mapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If only logical addresses are used for data indexing in cache memory, then address translation flexibility is improved, but data identification accuracy deteriorates due to address changes and duplicates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress translation flexibilityVSAvoiddata identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges logical address indexing with physical address indexing into a unified cache memory structure. Both address types are maintained and used together, combining the flexibility of logical address translation with the precision of physical address identification to eliminate duplicates and improve accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8856443B2Avoiding duplication of data units in a cache memory of a storage system

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 INFINIDAT LTD

AI summary

According to the teaching disclosed herein there is provided at least a method, system and device for managing a cache memory of a storage system. The storage system is associated with at least one physical storage device and, responsive to a read request, comprising information indicative of a logical address of at least one requested data unit, to obtain a storage physical address associated with the logical address, search the cache memory for a data unit associated with the storage physical address and service the request from the cache in case the data unit is found in the cache memory.