Distributed NAS Directory Deletion Using Server-Side Delete Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing NAS-based directory deletion method requires numerous interactions between the NAS client and server, consuming significant network bandwidth and memory resources, particularly when dealing with large directories, leading to prolonged response times and resource overheads.
Innovation Solution
A NAS-based directory deletion method that employs a distributed NAS server cluster to process batch delete instructions, reducing interactions by generating distributed delete instructions for subdirectories and files, thereby minimizing memory and network bandwidth consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NAS client traverses subdirectories and sends readdir instructions for each subdirectory to obtain metadata, then the directory deletion can be completed, but network bandwidth resources are occupied and response time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The NAS server performs preliminary actions by proactively pushing directory structure information and file metadata to the NAS client before the deletion operation begins. This includes sending directory entry information, file metadata, and subdirectory structures in advance, so the client has all necessary information ready when deletion is requested, eliminating the need for multiple readdir instructions during deletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the NAS server continuously provides information about directory structures and file metadata to the NAS client. The server pushes updates about directory contents and structural changes, enabling the client to maintain an up-to-date view of the directory hierarchy without actively querying, thus reducing network interactions during deletion operations.
2Reliability
If the NAS client caches metadata of each file in the subdirectory, then the deletion operation can proceed, but memory resources and computing resources of the NAS client are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metadata caching function from the NAS client and relocates it to the NAS server. The server generates and maintains the metadata information, then pushes it to the client as needed. This extraction reduces the memory burden on the client while maintaining deletion operation accuracy, as the server handles the heavy lifting of metadata management.
Solution Approach 2:
The NAS server acts as an intermediary that generates, caches, and manages file metadata, then provides this information to the NAS client on demand. Instead of the client directly caching all metadata, the server serves as a mediator that supplies metadata information, reducing the client's memory requirements while ensuring accurate deletion operations.
3Reliability
If numerous interactions between NAS client and server are performed for directory deletion, then complete deletion can be achieved, but network bandwidth resources are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes continuous information flow from the NAS server to the NAS client through push mechanisms. The server continuously provides directory structure information, file metadata, and deletion status updates without requiring repeated client queries. This continuous action ensures deletion completeness while minimizing network bandwidth consumption by eliminating redundant interaction cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The NAS server performs self-service by proactively managing the deletion process information flow. It automatically generates delete instructions for subdirectories and files, pushes relevant metadata to the client, and provides deletion status updates without requiring the client to initiate multiple requests. This self-service approach reduces network interactions while ensuring complete deletion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A NAS-based directory deletion method and apparatus, a client, and a server are provided, relating to the field of storage technologies. In the method, after receiving a batch delete instruction that is sent by a NAS client and that instructs to delete a target directory, a first NAS server in a distributed NAS server cluster generates distributed delete instructions for a plurality of subdirectories in the target directory, sends a corresponding distributed delete instruction to a NAS server in which a subdirectory is located, and sends a deletion complete response to the NAS client. According to the method, a large quantity of readdir instructions and delete instructions of the NAS client are replaced by a single batch delete instruction, so that interactions between the NAS client and the NAS server can be greatly reduced, computing resource overheads and network bandwidth overheads of the NAS client can be reduced, and the NAS client is prevented from caching metadata of the target directory, to reduce consumption of memory resources of the NAS client.