Software CAS Layer for Block I/O Storage Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer systems face limitations in providing content addressable storage (CAS) capabilities, as they are often tightly coupled to specific storage system architectures, making it difficult to decouple storage system functionality from hardware or microcode, and existing solutions are not economical for users who want to leverage existing storage resources without investing in new systems that natively support CAS functionality.

Innovation Solution

A software layer is introduced that provides a CAS interface, enabling existing block I/O storage systems to process content addressable access requests, allowing for the conversion of CAS I/O requests into block I/O requests, and facilitating the migration of data to a dedicated CAS system while maintaining content addresses, thus providing a cost-effective way to implement CAS capabilities without requiring new hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional storage systems are used, then hardware resources are utilized, but CAS capabilities cannot be provided due to tight coupling with specific storage architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCAS capabilityVSAvoidstorage system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A software layer is introduced as an intermediary between application programs and the block I/O storage system. This software layer translates CAS interface requests into block I/O requests, enabling CAS functionality without requiring the storage system hardware to natively support CAS operations. The software layer acts as a mediator that decouples the CAS capability from the underlying storage architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for specialized CAS hardware or microcode with a software-based solution. Instead of modifying the mechanical/storage system architecture to provide CAS capabilities, the invention uses software to simulate and translate CAS operations into standard block I/O operations that the existing storage system can handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new storage systems with native CAS support are purchased, then CAS functionality is achieved, but costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCAS functionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The software layer copies or emulates the CAS interface functionality on top of the existing block I/O storage system. Instead of purchasing new hardware that natively supports CAS, the invention creates a software copy of the CAS interface that translates requests appropriately, allowing users to leverage existing storage resources while gaining CAS capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The software layer provides universal CAS functionality that can work with any block I/O storage system. This multi-functional approach allows a single software solution to enable CAS capabilities across different storage platforms without requiring specialized hardware, thereby reducing costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If existing storage resources are leveraged without CAS software layer, then costs are reduced, but CAS capabilities are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidCAS capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The software layer serves as an intermediary that enables CAS capabilities on existing storage resources without requiring new hardware investments. It translates CAS interface requests into block I/O requests that the existing storage system can process, thereby providing CAS functionality while leveraging existing cost-effective storage resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If CAS interface is implemented through software layer, then flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but additional translation processing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsoftware layer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex CAS translation logic is extracted into a separate software layer that sits between the application programs and the storage system. This extraction isolates the complexity of interface translation from both the application programs and the storage system, allowing each component to remain simple while the software layer handles the complexity of converting between CAS and block I/O interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7979665B1Method and apparatus for processing access requests in a computer system

Publication Date: 2011.07.12 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a software layer that provides a Content Addressable Storage (CAS) capability in a computer system in which the content units are ultimately stored on a block I/O storage system. An application program may issue access requests to content units referring to them via a content address, and the software layer can convert such access requests to block I/O commands to be processed by the block I/O storage system. Thus, a CAS capability can be provided despite the absence of a storage system that provides such a capability natively.