Direct-Mapped Flash Storage for Coordinated Container Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage systems face inefficiencies in data management and reliability due to redundant write operations and lack of direct control over flash storage processes, leading to increased latency and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where the operating system initiates and controls processes across multiple flash drives without address translation by storage controllers, utilizing non-volatile RAM as a buffer for write operations and managing erase blocks and zones to optimize data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional storage controllers perform address translation and write operations, then data can be stored on flash drives, but unnecessary redundant write operations occur and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address translation function from the storage controller and implements it directly in the operating system kernel. This removes the unnecessary intermediary controller layer that was performing redundant address translations and write operations, thereby reducing latency and eliminating harmful controller involvement while maintaining the data storage function.
2Reliability
If storage controllers manage flash storage operations, then data storage is enabled, but reliability is reduced due to lack of direct control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the storage controller from the critical data path and transfers full control of flash storage operations directly to the operating system kernel. This extraction of the intermediary controller eliminates reliability issues caused by controller mediation while maintaining enabling data storage functionality through direct OS-to-flash communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system kernel directly manages flash storage operations including address translation, write operations, and wear leveling without requiring controller intervention. This self-service approach where the OS directly controls the flash memory improves reliability by eliminating controller-mediated errors while maintaining full storage functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple flash drives are used for storage, then storage capacity increases, but coordinated data backup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple flash drives under a unified operating system kernel framework. By consolidating control at the OS level rather than through separate controller layers, the system can coordinate data backup across multiple flash drives more efficiently, maintaining increased storage capacity while reducing coordination complexity through centralized OS management.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinated data backup for a container system that includes: determining, by a control layer of a container system, a dependency between a first service and a second service, where the first service and the second service are part of a set of services of an application; determining, based on the dependency, a backup sequence of first data associated with the first service and second data associated with the second service, where the backup sequence maintains consistency of one or more operations between the first service and the second service; and generating, based on the backup sequence, backup data comprising the first data and the second data.