Cache Warm-Up System for Storage Response Time Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current storage systems face performance limitations due to slow response times for read requests, as cache memory devices are only utilized after multiple read requests, leading to inefficient data retrieval from primary storage devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cache warm-up system that proactively identifies and copies frequently accessed data blocks from primary storage devices to cache memory during a warm-up period, using data block identification policies and cost-effectiveness calculations to determine which blocks to prioritize for copying, thereby ensuring faster response times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If data is copied from primary storage to cache only after read requests, then cache memory is utilized, but response time remains slow due to multiple requests needed before caching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcache utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a cache warm-up process that proactively copies data blocks from primary storage to cache memory before they are actually requested. This preliminary action populates the cache with frequently accessed data blocks based on identification policies, so that when read requests arrive, the data is already in the fast cache, dramatically reducing response time and eliminating the need for multiple requests to trigger caching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If cache memory is used to store data blocks, then response time improves, but system complexity increases due to cache management overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval timeVSAvoidcache management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements cache management policies that operate autonomously without requiring complex external control. The system automatically identifies candidate data blocks using identification policies, calculates cost-effectiveness metrics, and makes copy decisions based on predefined criteria. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture by embedding intelligence in the cache management layer rather than requiring complex external orchestration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If all data blocks are copied to cache during warm-up, then response time is maximized, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread request response timeVSAvoidenergy consumption during cache warm-up
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cost-effectiveness calculations that evaluate multiple parameters including access frequency, data size, cache capacity availability, and expected benefit. Based on these parameter evaluations, the system dynamically adjusts which data blocks to copy and in what priority order. This selective approach ensures that the most beneficial data blocks are cached first, maximizing response time improvement while minimizing energy consumption and resource usage during the warm-up process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2936321B1System and method for an efficient cache warm-up
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 NETAPP INC
  • EP2936321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2936321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2936321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein is a system and method for an efficient cache warm-up. The system and method may copy data blocks from a primary storage device to a cache memory device. The system and method may identify a subset of data blocks stored on the primary storage device as candidate data blocks for copying to the cache memory device during a cache warm-up period. A cost effectiveness for copying the candidate data blocks to the cache memory device may be determined. In some embodiments, the cost effectiveness may be calculated based on one or more latency values associated with the primary storage device and the cache memory device. The candidate data blocks may be copied to the cache memory device based on the cost effectiveness.