Cloud-Managed Remote Storage Operations with Centralized Write Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage systems face inefficiencies due to unnecessary write operations and lack of centralized control over storage processes, leading to reduced reliability and increased wear on storage devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where higher-level processes manage storage operations, including data allocation and garbage collection, without involving lower-level storage controllers, and utilizing non-volatile RAM for quick data buffering and power failure protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lower-level storage controllers manage storage operations, then device-level control is maintained, but redundant write operations increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts storage operation management (data allocation, garbage collection, wear leveling) from lower-level storage controllers and relocates it to higher-level storage processors. This eliminates redundant write operations caused by coordinated control between multiple controllers, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized higher-level management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces higher-level storage processors as intermediaries between the host system and lower-level storage controllers. These intermediaries manage storage operations centrally, preventing the coordination overhead and redundant writes that occur when multiple controllers directly interact, thus improving reliability without exposing complexity to the host system.
2Reliability
If higher-level processes manage storage operations, then redundant writes are minimized and reliability is enhanced, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage management functions into two levels: higher-level storage processors handle strategic operations (data allocation, garbage collection, wear leveling) while lower-level storage controllers handle tactical operations (command execution, data transfer). This segmentation reduces processing overhead by distributing workload appropriately and preventing redundant writes through centralized strategic management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having higher-level storage processors pre-manage storage operations including data allocation before writes occur, garbage collection of unused blocks, and wear leveling distribution. This preliminary management prevents redundant writes and enhances data integrity without requiring continuous high-level processing overhead during normal operations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional storage controllers are used, then device-level control is maintained, but wear on storage devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts wear-management functions (wear leveling, garbage collection, data allocation) from device-level storage controllers and relocates them to higher-level storage processors. This extraction eliminates redundant write operations that cause excessive wear, extending storage device lifespan while maintaining ease of operation through centralized automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling higher-level storage processors to autonomously manage storage operations including wear leveling, garbage collection, and data allocation without requiring direct host intervention. This self-service approach extends device lifespan by optimizing write patterns while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Secure cloud-based storage system management that includes: extending a cloud-based storage management session by using cloud-based user credentials to securely manage a remote storage system, and executing, on the remote storage system, data storage operations generated from commands issued via the cloud-based storage management session.