Distributed Storage Network Memory Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current distributed storage systems lack flexibility in data encoding and dispersal, requiring fixed algorithms and storage resources, which limits their ability to meet varying performance thresholds and storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A managing unit in a distributed storage network determines resource availability and chooses dispersal parameters to satisfy performance thresholds, creating storage units and assigning memory devices to ensure pillar width constraints are met, while minimizing shared hardware resources and optimizing storage allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed encoding and dispersal algorithms are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in meeting varying performance thresholds and storage requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in data encoding and dispersalVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects encoding algorithms and dispersal parameters based on resource availability information and performance thresholds. The managing unit adjusts the number of storage units, pillar width, and other parameters in real-time according to current system state, transforming the fixed system into an adaptive one that can meet varying storage requirements without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters such as the number of storage units, pillar width, and dispersal factors based on resource availability. By making these parameters variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize performance thresholds while adapting to changing storage conditions, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If arbitrary selection of encoding and dispersal parameters is allowed, then flexibility is improved, but system complexity and resource management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection flexibilityVSAvoidstorage management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The managing unit automatically determines resource availability information and selects appropriate dispersal parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the number of storage units, pillar width, and other parameters based on current resource state and performance requirements, making the complex parameter selection process transparent to users and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors resource availability and uses this feedback to adjust dispersal parameters. The managing unit evaluates current storage conditions and automatically modifies encoding and dispersal settings to meet performance thresholds, creating a closed-loop control system that balances flexibility with automated management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If more storage units are created to meet performance thresholds, then data reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage reliabilityVSAvoidstorage resource quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the number of storage units by dynamically adjusting dispersal parameters such as pillar width and redundancy factors. Based on resource availability information, the managing unit selects parameter combinations that achieve required performance thresholds while minimizing the number of storage units needed, thus balancing reliability with resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates only the necessary number of storage units required to meet performance thresholds rather than over-provisioning. By calculating the minimum required storage units based on resource availability and performance requirements, the system avoids unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining adequate reliability through optimized dispersal parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11132340B2Storage unit selection of memory devices used for distributed storage network memory

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

A storage unit in a distributed storage network (DSN) transmits resource availability information to a managing unit. The resource availability information includes information indicating a number of available memory devices of the storage unit that are available to be used for storage of encoded data slices. The storage unit receives resource assignment information determined by the managing unit. The resource assignment information includes one or more dispersal parameters, information identifying a set of storage units to be included in a newly instantiated DSN memory, and a DSN address range assigned to the storage unit for use in the newly instantiated DSN memory. The storage unit selects particular available memory devices of the storage unit to assign to the newly instantiated DSN memory. The selection is based on the resource assignment information.