Dynamic Cache-to-Management Space Conversion in Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in dynamically securing free space for management information without continuously reserving memory capacity in other storage apparatuses, leading to inefficient memory usage and increased costs when preparing for potential storage apparatus disuse.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising multiple storage apparatuses with a processor that determines a copy destination for management information based on cache area status, releasing cache space to store redundant management information, thereby optimizing memory usage without pre-allocating unused capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free space capable of storing management information is continuously secured in the memory of the copy destination, then the availability and reliability of the storage system is improved, but the usage rate of the memory in normal times deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the memory allocation dynamic rather than static. The cache area is initially used for cache information during normal operation, and only when a storage apparatus fails or is removed does the system dynamically convert the cache area into free space for storing management information. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting memory usage to actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of the memory area from 'cache area' to 'free space for management information' based on system conditions. When a storage apparatus is disused, the processor changes the parameter state of the cache area to available space, allowing management information to be stored there. This parameter change enables the same physical memory to serve different functions at different times.
2Quantity of substance
If free space capable of storing management information is dynamically secured in the storage apparatus of the copy destination, then the usage rate of the memory in normal times is improved, but it is necessary to reduce the influence on the system upon dynamically securing the free space
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by designating the cache area as potential free space in advance, without actually converting it during normal operation. The cache area is pre-configured to be convertible to free space for management information when needed, allowing the system to maintain high memory usage rates during normal times while being prepared for failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache area serves as an intermediary between normal operational memory and emergency management information storage. During normal operation, it functions as cache memory; when a storage apparatus fails, it intermediates by becoming the storage location for management information, thus bridging the gap between performance optimization and reliability requirements.
3Reliability
If the cache area is released to store management information, then free space is secured for redundancy, but the cache performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by maintaining the cache area in its normal cache function during normal operation periods, and only converting it to free space during failure periods. This periodic switching ensures that cache performance is maintained during normal times while redundancy is established when needed, resolving the contradiction between performance and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system capable of dynamically securing free space when a certain storage apparatus is disused and reducing the influence on the system upon dynamically securing the free space without having to continuously secure, in a memory of another storage apparatus, free space capable of storing management information of the corresponding storage apparatus in preparation of a case where such storage apparatus is disused. Each storage apparatus comprises a memory including a management information storage area for storing management information and a cache area for storing cache information, and a processor which manages a status of the cache area. At least certain processors determine a storage apparatus to become a copy destination of the copy target management information. The storage apparatus of the copy destination releases at least a part of the cache area and stores the management information in the released cache area.