Dynamic Data Replication Rate Adjustment for QoS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data storage and replication systems face challenges in achieving optimal resource allocation and balancing between applications and replication operations due to manually set, static maximum allowable replication rates, leading to potential over- or under-provisioning of system resources, which can result in suboptimal performance and failure to meet specified Quality of Service (QoS) objectives.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically adjusts the data replication rate based on a specified Quality of Service (QoS) level by determining performance measures of applications and dynamically allocating system resources, using a Quality of Service manager to prioritize and adjust replication rates, ensuring optimal resource utilization and meeting performance objectives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static maximum allowable replication rate is manually set, then the system configuration is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing resource demands and may cause over- or under-provisioning of system resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing resource demandsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the maximum allowable replication rate based on real-time monitoring of system resource usage and QoS level requirements. The system automatically modifies replication parameters rather than relying on static manual configuration, enabling adaptation to changing resource demands while maintaining QoS objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of replication rates by automatically monitoring its own resource consumption and QoS performance. The Quality of Service manager evaluates system state and autonomously modifies replication parameters without requiring manual intervention, achieving self-optimization of resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the replication rate is increased to improve productivity, then data replication efficiency improves, but system resources such as I/O buffers, link bandwidth, and CPU resources become overutilized, affecting application performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata replication efficiencyVSAvoidQoS level achievement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors QoS metrics including I/O latency, queue depth, and resource utilization, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the replication rate. When QoS thresholds are approached or exceeded, the system automatically reduces replication intensity to maintain service level agreements, preventing resource overutilization while maximizing productivity within acceptable limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key system parameters including the maximum allowable replication rate, I/O queue depth limits, and buffer allocation based on real-time QoS evaluation. By dynamically modifying these parameters rather than using fixed values, the system optimizes the balance between replication speed and resource availability for applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the replication rate is reduced to ensure QoS objectives are met, then application performance is maintained, but data replication efficiency decreases and system resources are underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS level achievementVSAvoiddata replication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts replication rates based on real-time conditions, increasing the rate when resource availability permits and decreasing it when QoS thresholds are at risk. This dynamic approach ensures that replication efficiency is maximized without compromising QoS, rather than operating at a fixed reduced rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of QoS metrics and resource availability before adjusting replication rates. By anticipating potential QoS violations and proactively adjusting parameters in advance, the system prevents performance degradation while maintaining high replication efficiency during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8775549B1Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically adjusting a data replication rate based on a specified quality of service (QoS) level
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US8775549B1 patent drawing
  • US8775549B1 patent drawing
  • US8775549B1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein comprises methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically adjusting a replication rate based on a specified quality of service (QoS) level. The method includes providing for the specification of a QoS level associated with the performance of at least one application operating on a data storage system and determining a performance measure of the at least one application. A data replication rate of the data storage system is also determined and, based on the QoS level and the performance measure of the at least one application, the data replication rate is automatically adjusted.