Distributed FSE Open Request Handling in Shared File Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In global file systems, concurrent access requests from multiple users across different storage systems lead to increased latency due to network transmission delays for open and close requests, particularly when managing file system entity (FSE) open requests.
Innovation Solution
A method where the owner storage system delegates responsibility for managing FSE open requests to a secondary storage system, allowing local management of access requests, reducing the need for network communication by maintaining local open information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the owner storage system manages all FSE open requests centrally, then access control consistency is maintained, but network transmission delays increase and latency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized open request management function by allowing the secondary storage system to independently manage open requests for FSEs it stores. This divides the monolithic management approach into distributed autonomous management, where each storage system handles its own FSE open requests without requiring network communication with the owner storage system for each request.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of autonomy by enabling the secondary storage system to independently manage open requests. Instead of a single-dimensional centralized control model, the system adds a distributed management dimension where secondary storage systems can autonomously handle open requests while maintaining consistency through selective synchronization with the owner storage system.
2Reliability
If the owner storage system receives and processes every open request, then centralized control is maintained, but network communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the open request management function from the owner storage system and transfers it to the secondary storage system. The secondary storage system now independently processes open requests for FSEs it stores, removing the need for continuous network communication with the owner storage system and reducing communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary storage system serves itself by independently managing open requests for its stored FSEs. It maintains local open request information and can grant or deny open requests without requiring network communication with the owner storage system,从而实现 self-service and reducing overall network overhead.
3Loss of time
If multiple storage systems manage FSE open requests independently, then latency is reduced, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where storage systems notify the owner storage system when FSEs are moved or when open request information needs to be synchronized. This feedback loop allows independent management while maintaining coordination through event-driven updates rather than continuous communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The owner storage system pre-establishes the authority of secondary storage systems to manage open requests for specific FSEs. This preliminary delegation of authority simplifies subsequent coordination by providing clear guidelines for independent management without requiring complex real-time negotiation between systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing file system entity (FSE) open requests in a shared namespace. According to an embodiment, the method includes (a) receiving, by a controller of a first storage system (FSS), a second storage system (SSS) transfer request for transferring to the SSS a responsibility to manage SSS given FSE open requests, the SSS given FSE open requests are generated by SSS users; (b) determining, by the controller of the FSS, whether to grant the SSS transfer request, wherein the determining is based on whether there is a current granted given FSE open request. When it is determined to grant the SSS transfer request the method includes (c) transferring the responsibility to manage the SSS given FSE related open requests to the SSS; and (d) updating, by the controller of the FSS, a FSS transfer data structure to reflect the transferring of the responsibility.