Recovering Data from De-sequenced Encoded Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer storage systems face challenges with data integrity and security due to the failure of memory devices, particularly those using physical movement technologies, such as disc drives, which can lead to bit-level corruption and complete failure within three years, and RAID systems that while providing redundancy, increase maintenance demands and security risks with multiple copies of data.
Innovation Solution
A distributed storage system that employs error coding dispersal storage to partition data into slices, which are then stored across multiple geographically diverse locations, using a dispersed storage network with error correction capabilities to ensure data integrity and security by distributing data segments across multiple storage units, allowing for secure and reliable data retrieval even in the event of device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in multiple copies using RAID systems, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but maintenance demands and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides data into multiple slices and distributes them across different storage locations using error coding dispersal storage. Instead of creating full redundant copies like RAID, the system segments data into slices that can be reconstructed from a threshold number of slices, reducing the number of stored units while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal redundancy (multiple full copies in RAID) to a distributed dimensional approach where data slices are spread across geographically diverse locations. This dimensional distribution allows recovery from device failures without requiring multiple complete copies, reducing maintenance complexity
2Reliability
If data is stored in multiple copies using RAID systems, then data redundancy is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting data into slices and distributing them across multiple locations rather than storing multiple complete copies, the system reduces security risks. An attacker would need to compromise a threshold number of distributed locations to reconstruct data, compared to accessing multiple copies in a RAID system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses error coding as an intermediary mechanism that allows data reconstruction from distributed slices without requiring direct access to multiple complete copies. This intermediary layer provides security by ensuring that compromising individual slices does not reveal the complete data
3Quantity of substance
If memory devices using physical movement are used, then storage capacity is improved, but bit-level corruption and complete failure occur within three years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies error coding dispersal storage in advance to protect data before device failures occur. By pre-distributing encoded slices across multiple locations, the system prepares for potential failures, allowing data recovery even when physical movement devices corrupt or lose data
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning against device failures by storing distributed slices across geographically diverse locations. When a physical movement device fails or corrupts data, the error coding mechanism provides a cushion that allows reconstruction from remaining slices, preventing complete data loss
4Reliability
If data is distributed across multiple geographically diverse locations, then data integrity and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal distributed storage system where the same error coding dispersal storage mechanism handles multiple functions: data distribution, error correction, and security. This multi-functional approach manages complexity by using a single unified method rather than separate mechanisms for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A method for execution by one or more computing devices of a storage network, the method includes de-selecting a sequence of input encoded data slices based on de-selection information to produce deselected encoded data slices of a set of encoded data slices, where the input encoded data slices include a set of encoded data slices interspersed with a set of auxiliary data slices. The method further includes error decoding at least a decode threshold number of encoded data slices of the deselected encoded data slices in accordance with error decoding parameters to reproduce a data segment. The method further includes outputting the data segment to a requesting computing device of the storage network.