Cloud File Service Architecture for Tenant Isolation and Shared Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud-based file storage systems face challenges in optimizing data access performance and resource provisioning for both single-tenant and multitenant file systems, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising single-tenant file system nodes and multitenant storage nodes that share access to an object store, managed by management nodes that provision resources and optimize caching policies based on usage or performance thresholds, with file system nodes implemented as cloud computing instances or containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If file data is synchronized across multiple devices using conventional techniques, then file availability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases and file version consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile availabilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments file synchronization into two distinct pathways: real-time synchronization for authorized users/devices and on-demand synchronization for other devices. This segmentation allows bandwidth to be conserved by only transmitting file data when explicitly requested, rather than continuously syncing to all devices, thus resolving the contradiction between file availability and bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic synchronization behavior where the system adapts its synchronization strategy based on device authorization status and user presence. Authorized devices receive real-time updates while unauthorized devices perform on-demand synchronization, creating a dynamic system that optimizes bandwidth usage while maintaining file availability across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If file synchronization is performed across all devices, then file availability is improved, but file version consistency worsens due to multiple versions existing simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile availabilityVSAvoidfile version consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization process into real-time and on-demand pathways, where only authorized users who are actively using the file receive real-time notifications and can access the current version. Other devices perform on-demand synchronization that retrieves the latest version without creating conflicting simultaneous versions, thus maintaining file version consistency while preserving availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the file service monitors file access patterns, user presence, and authorization status to determine synchronization timing. This feedback-driven approach ensures that synchronization occurs at optimal moments when version conflicts are minimized, maintaining consistency while ensuring file availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If cloud storage services are deployed on-premises using conventional techniques, then data security is improved, but device compatibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal file service architecture that can be deployed on-premises while supporting multiple device types and operating systems through standardized protocols. The service acts as a universal intermediary between various devices and the organization's file storage infrastructure, maintaining data security within the organization's network while providing broad device compatibility through web-based access and standardized APIs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud storage service as an intermediary layer between various devices and the organization's file storage infrastructure. This intermediary handles protocol translation, authentication, and file access management, allowing devices with different capabilities to access secured files without compromising data security or requiring complex device-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3963438B1Cloud-based file services
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 PURE STORAGE INC
  • EP3963438B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3963438B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3963438B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A system for cloud-based file services, comprising: a plurality of single-tenant file system nodes configured to provide file system access to an object store via a plurality of multitenant storage nodes; the plurality of multitenant storage nodes sharing access to the object store; and one or more management nodes configured to provision resources for the plurality of single-tenant file system nodes and the plurality of multitenant storage nodes.