Dynamic Storage Allocation via Thin Logical Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, allocated storage space often goes unused by the requesting entity and remains unavailable for others, leading to inefficiencies due to the need for full provisioning of storage space upfront, even though actual usage may be minimal at first, and competition for limited storage space among varying priority requests.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'thin' logical unit (TLU) that allocates storage space only as needed, incrementally requesting slices from a common storage pool, and a policy-based allocation management system that dynamically adjusts access modes based on storage pool consumption to prioritize and manage resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full provisioning of storage space is allocated upfront to host processors, then storage availability and reliability are improved, but storage efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate due to unused allocated space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation where the storage pool transitions from static full provisioning to dynamic on-demand allocation. The system continuously monitors storage consumption and automatically allocates or reclaims space based on actual usage patterns, allowing the storage pool to adapt its capacity allocation in real-time rather than maintaining fixed pre-allocated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameter from fixed upfront provisioning to variable on-demand provisioning. By monitoring storage consumption thresholds and adjusting allocation parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between ensuring sufficient storage availability and maximizing resource utilization efficiency.
2Speed
If storage space is allocated to host processors before actual usage, then storage access speed is improved, but storage pool utilization deteriorates due to competition for limited resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and threshold setting actions to prepare for efficient allocation. By establishing consumption thresholds and monitoring mechanisms in advance, the system can quickly respond to allocation requests without ad-hoc decision-making, maintaining fast access while optimizing overall pool utilization through pre-configured allocation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where storage consumption is continuously monitored and fed back to the allocation management system. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust allocation decisions in real-time based on actual usage patterns, ensuring fast access响应 while preventing over-allocation and optimizing storage pool utilization through data-driven decisions.
3Quantity of substance
If storage pool consumption increases to meet growing demands, then storage capacity is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to allocation of unused space
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts storage capacity allocation based on monitored consumption patterns rather than static pre-provisioning. As storage demands grow, the system incrementally allocates space based on actual usage thresholds, ensuring capacity expansion matches real needs and maintains high efficiency by avoiding allocation of unused space.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a computer-implemented method for use in managing allocation of a storage pool in a data storage system by calculating an allocation mode for the storage pool based on a policy is described. Also described are embodiments of a system and computer program product enabled for carrying out such computer-implemented allocation management.