Disk Management Using Multi-Parameter Capability Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Fully Automated Storage Tiering Virtual Pool (FAST VP) technology is limited in reducing data movements and only allows data movement between disk slices with the same IO heat and worn-out level, failing to consider other disk capability parameters, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method to manage disks by determining reference and used capability parameters for each disk, identifying overused disks, and moving data to less used disks to balance usage across multiple parameters, thereby optimizing disk operations and reducing unnecessary data movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional FAST VP technology is used to move data between disk slices, then data classification is achieved, but the number of data movements increases due to restrictions on movement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for data movement decisions from restricted conditions (same IO heat and worn-out level only) to multiple disk capability parameters including IO heat, worn-out level, capacity, and performance. This allows more flexible and accurate matching of data to appropriate storage locations, reducing unnecessary movements while maintaining classification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data movement decisions based on real-time assessment of multiple disk capability parameters. Instead of static rules restricting movements to identical parameter groups, the system dynamically evaluates current disk states across multiple parameters to determine optimal data placement, thereby reducing redundant movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is moved frequently between disk slices to maintain classification, then storage optimization is achieved, but resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent evaluates multiple disk capability parameters (IO heat, worn-out level, capacity, performance) simultaneously to make informed data movement decisions. This multi-parameter approach ensures data is moved only when truly necessary for optimization, avoiding wasteful resource consumption from unnecessary movements while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors disk capability parameters and uses this feedback to make intelligent data movement decisions. By assessing the actual state of disks across multiple parameters before each movement decision, the system avoids unnecessary operations that would waste resources, achieving storage optimization with improved resource utilization efficiency.
3Device complexity
If traditional FAST VP restricts data movement to same IO heat and worn-out level disk slices, then movement control is simplified, but resource savings are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the parameter set for data movement decisions from two parameters (IO heat, worn-out level) to multiple parameters including capacity and performance metrics. This comprehensive parameter assessment enables more accurate identification of optimal data destinations, maximizing resource savings while the systematic approach maintains manageable control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data movement framework that evaluates multiple disk capability parameters simultaneously. This multi-functional assessment system can handle various disk characteristics and data requirements in a unified manner, achieving comprehensive resource optimization without proportionally increasing control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing disks involve determining, based on a parameter related to a capability of a plurality of disks, a reference capability parameter for each of the plurality of disks. In addition, the techniques involve determining a used capability parameter for each of the plurality of disks. Moreover, the techniques involve determining from the plurality of disks a first disk to be adjusted, a used capability parameter of the first disk exceeds a reference capability parameter of the first disk. The techniques further involve causing data of at least one disk slice in the first disk to be moved to a second disk of the plurality of disks, such that a difference between the used capability parameter of the first disk and reference capability parameter of the first disk is below a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, a balanced operation among respective storage disks can be achieved.