Distributed Storage Global Replication via Intelligent Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed data storage systems lack flexibility in presenting virtual storage to hosts, requiring data to be copied between controllers for efficient access, which hampers I/O performance and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A distributed storage system with a virtualization engine and intelligent storage elements (ISEs) that replicate data independently of access commands, allowing for global replication and optimized I/O performance by identifying and utilizing storage spaces with higher processing capabilities for data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored under one controller, then data integrity is maintained, but data access efficiency deteriorates when accessed from another controller requiring data copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage by creating multiple storage volumes across different controllers, allowing data to be divided and stored in distributed locations. This enables different controllers to access different segments of the same logical volume without requiring complete data copying, thus maintaining data integrity while improving access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of data access by enabling cross-controller access to storage volumes. Instead of restricting access to a single controller, the system allows multiple controllers to access the same logical volume simultaneously through the storage network, transforming the access model from single-point to multi-point access.
2Speed
If data is copied between controllers for efficient access, then data access speed improves, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes storage controllers universal by enabling them to access and manage multiple storage volumes that were originally designated for other controllers. Each controller gains the capability to access any logical volume in the system through the storage network, eliminating the need for dedicated data copying mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If storage capacity is consolidated in SANs, then storage handling capability increases, but flexibility in altering virtual storage presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual storage allocation where logical volumes can be dynamically assigned to different controllers based on access patterns and performance requirements. The system can dynamically create, modify, and relocate virtual storage presentations without requiring physical data movement, providing both high storage handling capability and flexible virtual storage allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system apparatus and associated method with a virtualization engine connectable to a remote device over a network for passing access commands between the remote device and a storage space. A plurality of intelligent storage elements (ISEs) are configured for replicating data from a first ISE to a second ISE independently of access commands being simultaneously passed between the virtualization engine and the first ISE.