Division RAID Disk Partitioning for Storage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RAID expansion methods require adding complete new RAID arrays, leading to increased setup time, equipment costs, and inefficiencies, making it difficult to efficiently expand storage capacity in computing systems as data storage demands grow.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Division RAID, where storage disks are divided into uniform partitions, allowing for single-disk expansion by distributing data groups across these partitions in a deterministic order, reducing the need for additional disks and streamlining data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional RAID expansion methods are used to add storage capacity, then storage capacity is increased, but the number of storage disks increases leading to higher equipment costs and setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides storage disks into multiple partitions, allowing a single physical disk to be segmented into multiple logical units. This enables the RAID array to treat each partition as an independent storage unit, effectively increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing the number of physical disks. The segmentation principle is applied by creating uniform partitions across all disks in the array, which can then be individually allocated to data groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by implementing partitioning at the logical level rather than only at the physical disk level. This dimensional transformation allows the system to expand storage capacity through logical subdivision rather than physical addition, enabling more flexible and efficient use of existing hardware resources.
2Quantity of substance
If complete new RAID arrays are added for expansion, then storage capacity increases, but setup time and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary partitioning of all storage disks before adding them to the RAID array. By pre-dividing disks into uniform partitions with consistent numbering schemes, the system eliminates the time-consuming process of configuring and synchronizing partitions after array formation. This preliminary organization allows for rapid integration of new disks into the existing RAID structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameters of storage by implementing a standardized partitioning scheme across all disks. By establishing uniform partition sizes, consistent naming conventions, and deterministic allocation rules, the system enables faster deployment and reduces configuration time when expanding storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If more storage disks are added to RAID array, then storage capacity increases, but power consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting physical disks into multiple logical partitions, the system achieves higher storage capacity from the same physical hardware. This allows the organization to meet growing storage demands without proportionally increasing the number of physical disks, thereby reducing power consumption and maintenance requirements while still expanding total storage capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional RAID expansion is used, then storage capacity increases, but data allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different qualities or characteristics to different partitions based on their allocation status and data group requirements. By implementing deterministic allocation rules that consider local partition characteristics, the system simplifies data placement decisions and optimizes storage efficiency without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameters by implementing a deterministic ordering system that assigns data groups to partitions based on predefined rules rather than complex algorithms. This parameter transformation simplifies the data allocation process while maintaining efficient use of expanded storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Division RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for disk array expansion is provided herein. A data storage system as described herein can include a memory that stores computer executable components and a processor that executes computer executable components stored in the memory. The computer executable components can include a disk initialization component that divides a first storage disk into partitions comprising a uniform number of partitions; an array expansion component that adds the first storage disk to a logical storage array, wherein the logical storage array comprises second storage disks, the second storage disks respectively being divided into partitions comprising the uniform number of partitions; and a data allocation component that allocates a data group to respective partitions of the first storage disk and a subset of the second storage disks in a deterministic order, resulting in a set of allocated partitions.