Cluster Parity Assignment Based on Write Speed Ratios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fault tolerance implementations in clustered storage systems do not consider varying characteristics of systems, leading to suboptimal write performance and storage space utilization.

Innovation Solution

Determine the write speed for each system in a cluster, calculate the ratio of write speeds, and update parity assignments based on these ratios to achieve a write-balanced distribution of parity data across systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If equal parity assignments are used across all systems in the cluster, then fault tolerance is maintained, but write performance deteriorates due to imbalance when systems have different write speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidwrite performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different parity weights to different systems based on their individual write speeds. Each system receives a customized parity assignment proportional to its write capability, rather than applying a uniform parity assignment across all systems. This resolves the contradiction by tailoring the fault tolerance mechanism to match local system characteristics, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing overall write performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of parity assignment from a fixed equal distribution to a dynamic distribution based on write speed ratios. By calculating the ratio of write speeds among systems and adjusting parity assignments accordingly, the system adapts to varying performance characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to maintain fault tolerance while avoiding write performance degradation caused by forcing equal parity assignments on systems with different capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If parity assignments are optimized for write balance, then write performance improves, but storage space utilization deteriorates due to uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite performanceVSAvoidstorage space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring write speeds of systems in the cluster and using this information to adjust parity assignments. The system calculates write speed ratios and dynamically rebalances parity distribution to maintain optimal storage space utilization. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by ensuring that parity assignments are continuously optimized based on actual system performance, preventing both write performance degradation and storage space waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If static parity assignments are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when system characteristics change over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to changing write rates
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static parity assignments to dynamic parity assignments that automatically adjust to changing system conditions. The system periodically recalculates write speed ratios and rebalances parity distributions to match current system capabilities. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to changing write rates and system characteristics while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10884861B2Write-balanced parity assignment within a cluster
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10884861B2 patent drawing
  • US10884861B2 patent drawing
  • US10884861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes determining a write speed for each of a plurality of systems in a cluster, determining a ratio of the write speeds for each of the plurality of systems in the cluster, and updating parity assignments to each of the plurality of systems in the cluster, based on the ratio of the write speeds.