Data Replication Across Commodity Storage Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face challenges in efficiently replicating data across multiple controllers, particularly in providing fault-tolerant storage solutions using commodity hardware without the need for expensive, inflexible proprietary hardware.
Innovation Solution
A redundant storage controller system using non-redundant storage controllers with shared memory and software-based mechanisms, such as double dispatch and host memory replication, to replicate data efficiently and provide fault tolerance, leveraging off-the-shelf hardware and commodity computing platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary hardware is used for data replication across multiple controllers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based copying mechanisms to replicate data across multiple controllers. Instead of using proprietary hardware with built-in replication capabilities, the system creates software copies of data in host memory that can be accessed by multiple controllers, eliminating the need for complex proprietary hardware while maintaining reliability through redundant access paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/proprietary hardware replication systems with software-based memory sharing. The host memory region acts as a shared resource that multiple controllers can access through software protocols, substituting complex hardware replication mechanisms with flexible software-controlled data sharing.
2Reliability
If proprietary hardware is used for data replication, then fault tolerance is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes commodity storage controllers universal by enabling them to participate in redundant configurations through software. Standard controllers can be configured to access shared host memory regions, allowing any controller to serve multiple functions including primary storage, secondary storage, and failover roles without requiring proprietary hardware designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of commodity hardware through software configuration. By modifying memory access patterns, controller roles, and data replication strategies through software, the system achieves fault tolerance that previously required specialized hardware, thereby improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
3Device complexity
If software-based data replication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but data replication efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential access to data by placing it in a shared host memory region that all controllers can access with equal efficiency. This eliminates the need for complex point-to-point communication channels between controllers, as all controllers can directly access the same memory space, maintaining high data replication efficiency while using simple commodity hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The host memory region serves as an intermediary that facilitates efficient data sharing between multiple controllers. Instead of controllers directly communicating with each other (which would require complex hardware), the shared memory acts as a mediator that enables fast data access and replication through standard memory interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system and method allows implementation of fault-tolerant storage subsystems using multiple storage controllers not themselves originally designed to support the redundancy of such fault-tolerant storage subsystems. In accordance with one embodiment, uncommitted data is efficiently and rapidly replicated across multiple commodity storage controllers, enabling faster and less expensive fault-tolerant storage subsystems. A redundant storage controller system using non-redundant storage controllers can improve the efficiency of data replication while providing failure protection against controller failure. A redundant storage controller system using non-redundant storage controllers and shared memory commonly accessible to the storage controllers can be enhanced to replicate data within host memory regions to protect against non-volatile memory failure. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an efficient data replication mechanism can be provided between storage controllers using off-the-shelf hardware.