Network-Attachable Data Transfer Device for Clustered Storage Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The discrepancy between growing data storage needs and limited data transmission bandwidth leads to costly or time-consuming data transfer between storage facilities, and existing solutions for data transfer between clustered devices face challenges when a device malfunctions, requiring complex reprovisioning processes to restore operational integrity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-attachable data transfer device with external data interfaces and switching devices that allow authorized external entities to access data storage, enabling data access and recovery even when devices are degraded, by using redundancy coding schemes and cluster manifests for authentication and data redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transferred between storage facilities using traditional data transmission mechanisms, then data transmission bandwidth is limited, but transmission time becomes excessively long and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional network-based data transmission mechanisms with a hardware-based data transfer device that physically moves storage media between facilities. This substitution of mechanical/physical transfer for electronic transmission bypasses bandwidth limitations and achieves faster effective data migration speeds.
2Quantity of substance
If a single portable storage device is used for data transfer, then device capacity is limited, but multiple devices increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple storage devices into a unified cluster system that operates as a single logical unit. The cluster manager coordinates devices collectively, allowing the system to achieve large effective storage capacity while maintaining simplified management through centralized control rather than increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a portable storage device and a network-attachable device. This universal design allows the same hardware to function in different modes (direct attachment or network-attached), eliminating the need for separate device types for different capacity needs.
3Reliability
If redundancy codes are used in clustered devices, then data reliability improves, but system complexity increases when reprovisioning is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cluster manager implements self-service capabilities by automatically detecting device failures, calculating the necessary reprovisioning operations, and executing data redistribution across the cluster. This automation eliminates manual intervention in complex reprovisioning tasks while maintaining data reliability through redundancy codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the cluster manager continuously monitors device status and operational integrity. When degradation or failure is detected, the manager receives feedback about the current state and automatically initiates appropriate reprovisioning actions, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability without manual complexity.
4Ease of operation
If external data interfaces are added to data transfer devices, then data accessibility during degradation improves, but device security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the external data interface controlled by the cluster manager) between external entities and the data storage. This intermediary provides authenticated access to degraded devices, allowing data recovery operations while maintaining security controls. The interface acts as a mediator that enables accessibility only when authorized and monitored.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device is implemented in a network-attachable data transfer device to provide data storage access to other such devices. In some embodiments, network-attachable data transfer devices are arranged in a clustered configuration to provide various computational and storage services. When one or more devices of the cluster fails, various implementations associated with the switching device, via an external data interface, provide operational mitigation, optimized data recovery, and efficient reinstatement of normal operation of the cluster.