Cloud Storage Cloning via Object-to-Block Data Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage systems face inefficiencies in data management and reliability due to redundant write operations and lack of centralized control over storage processes, leading to increased latency and reduced reliability of flash drives.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where the operating system directly addresses data blocks without translation by storage controllers, offloading device management tasks to storage array controllers, and utilizing non-volatile RAM for quick data buffering and power failure protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage controllers translate data blocks between host and device addresses, then data management flexibility is improved, but write operations become redundant and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address translation function from the storage controller and implements it directly in the host operating system. This removes the redundant translation layer that causes reliability issues while maintaining the flexibility benefits of software-based address management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct mapping mechanism that eliminates the storage controller as an intermediary for address translation. By allowing the host OS to directly map host addresses to device addresses, the system maintains management flexibility without the reliability penalties of controller-mediated translation.
2Ease of operation
If storage controllers manage device operations, then device control capability is improved, but latency increases due to additional translation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the storage controller from the address translation path, extracting this function to the host operating system. This eliminates the additional translation steps that contribute to latency while preserving the ability to manage device operations through software.
3Productivity
If flash drives perform write operations without power failure protection, then write speed is improved, but data integrity is compromised during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements proactive data rebuilding mechanisms that prepare and verify data integrity before power failures can occur. By performing redundancy checks and rebuilding operations in advance, the system maintains both write performance and data integrity during power events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective mechanisms that cushion against power failure effects by maintaining redundancy information and implementing checksum verification. This allows the system to withstand power interruptions without compromising data integrity while maintaining normal write speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
Cloning storage systems in a cloud computing environment, including: receiving a request to create a cloud-based storage system; retrieving, from cloud-based object storage, one or more objects to include in the cloud-based storage system; and creating the cloud-based storage system, including storing, in block storage of the cloud-based storage system, data contained in the one or more objects retrieved from the cloud-based object storage.