Concatenated RAID 0 Architectures for Disk Capacity Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RAID systems can only apply a single RAID level, leading to underutilization of disk capacity in disks of different sizes, as they select disks based on the minimum capacity, leaving remnant capacity unused.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves selecting multiple groups of disks to create multiple RAID 0 architectures, which are then concatenated using the JBOD technique to form a single disk array, allowing for efficient utilization of all disk capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single RAID level is applied to disks of different sizes, then the RAID architecture is simple, but the disk capacity cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the disk array into multiple independent RAID 0 groups, where each group is formed from a subset of disks. This segmentation allows different disk sizes to be optimally grouped together, ensuring that all disk capacities are fully utilized without forcing a single uniform RAID structure across all disks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal RAID management approach that can handle multiple RAID levels and disk configurations within a single system. The system can create multiple RAID 0 architectures simultaneously and concatenate them, making the system adaptable to various disk size combinations while maintaining full capacity utilization.
2Ease of manufacture
If disks are selected based on minimum capacity to create RAID 0, then the RAID structure is standardized, but remnant disk capacity in larger disks cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disk selection process into multiple independent RAID 0 group formations. Instead of selecting disks based solely on minimum capacity, the system creates multiple groups where each group's disks are selected independently, allowing larger disks to contribute their full capacity to different RAID groups rather than being limited by the minimum disk size in the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension disk selection approach (based on minimum capacity) to a multi-dimensional approach that considers multiple disk capacity levels. By creating multiple RAID 0 architectures with different disk compositions, the system utilizes disk capacity across multiple dimensions, ensuring that remnant capacity in larger disks is fully exploited.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple RAID 0 architectures are created and concatenated, then disk capacity utilization is maximized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RAID 0 architectures into a single unified disk array through concatenation. By combining the capabilities of multiple independent RAID 0 groups, the system achieves full disk capacity utilization while presenting a unified interface to the user, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal RAID management framework that can handle multiple RAID levels and configurations within a single system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to create, manage, and concatenate multiple RAID 0 architectures without requiring separate management mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the increased functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
RAID systems and setup methods thereof are provided. At least a first group of disks is selected to create a RAID 0 architecture. A second group of disks is further selected to create the RAID 0 architecture. The RAID 0 architectures are concatenated. The second group is within the first group, and the disks of the second group are the disks having remnant disk capacity after the RAID 0 architecture of the first group is created. The RAID 0 architectures corresponding to the first and second group are created respectively based on the disk having minimum disk capacity size among the disks of the first and second group.