Dynamic Disk Partition Boundary Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static data storage repartitioning in mass storage devices is resource-intensive and impacts system performance, as it requires relocating data offline and is not feasible for all types of data, especially when partition sizes need to change due to varying data amounts and types over time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic repartitioning of data storage by adjusting the boundary between disk partitions and rebalancing data based on triggers such as user requests, system-generated actions, or storage usage parameters, allowing for online adjustments and optimal data placement according to performance attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static repartitioning is performed to adjust partition sizes, then partition size flexibility is improved, but system performance and availability deteriorate due to offline data reallocation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static partition boundaries into dynamic, adjustable boundaries that can be modified at runtime. The system introduces adjustable boundaries between partitions that can be repositioned based on changing storage needs, eliminating the need for offline repartitioning operations while maintaining partition functionality and data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of partition boundary position from fixed to variable. By making boundary positions adjustable rather than static, the system can adapt partition sizes to changing data volumes and storage requirements without performing costly offline reallocation operations, thus maintaining performance and availability.
2Quantity of substance
If static repartitioning is performed to accommodate changing data amounts, then storage space utilization is improved, but resource costs and operation complexity increase due to data relocation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic boundary adjustment mechanisms that allow partition sizes to be modified without triggering complex data relocation processes. The adjustable boundaries can be repositioned to accommodate changing data amounts while the system automatically manages data distribution, eliminating manual intervention and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing partition boundary adjustments and data distribution based on stored data characteristics. When partition boundaries are adjusted, the system automatically rebalances data without requiring external intervention or complex manual reallocation operations, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective storage utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partition boundaries are made adjustable for dynamic repartitioning, then system adaptability is improved, but boundary management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically detect when partition boundary adjustments are needed based on data volume changes and storage utilization patterns. This automated feedback-driven approach triggers boundary adjustments only when necessary, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining high system adaptability to changing storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary management system performs self-service by automatically monitoring partition usage and adjusting boundaries without external intervention. The system manages its own boundary positions based on stored data characteristics, eliminating complex manual management tasks while preserving the ability to adapt to changing storage needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention enable dynamic repartitioning of data storage in response to one or more triggers. In embodiments, a trigger may be a user-initiated action, a system-generated action, and/or an inference based on storage usage parameters. Applications of the present invention are its use in embodiments of a storage management system comprising a file system manager and a volume manager, where the placement of data into a partition (data storage region) may be specified by matching one or more disk region placement data attributes assigned to data with corresponding disk region attributes. In embodiments, dynamic repartitioning comprises adjustment of the location of the boundary between adjacent disk partitions and, if necessary, rebalancing of the data stored within the partitions by identifying mismatched data and relocating it to the partition with which it is associated.