Dynamic Storage Resource Allocation via Network Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource allocation methods for storage processes in storage networks are imprecise due to theoretical estimates, leading to inefficiencies such as wasted resources or underperformance, as they fail to account for dynamic changes in network bandwidth and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic resource allocation based on network flow control signals, such as communication availability and unavailability signals, adjusts resource allocation in real-time to match changing network conditions, ensuring more precise and efficient use of resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If resource allocation is based on theoretical performance estimates, then resource allocation can be simplified, but resource allocation precision deteriorates leading to wasted resources or underperformance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring network flow control signals (such as pause frames in Ethernet) and using this information to dynamically adjust resource allocation. The system continuously observes network conditions and adjusts computing resources accordingly, transforming static theoretical estimates into dynamic adaptive allocation that responds to actual network throughput conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static resource allocation based on theoretical estimates to dynamic resource allocation that adapts to changing network conditions. By using real-time network flow control signals, the system adjusts resource allocation dynamically, allowing the storage process to scale resources up or down based on actual network bandwidth availability rather than fixed theoretical values.
2Productivity
If more resources are allocated to storage process, then storage process performance improves, but network bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses network flow control signals as feedback to monitor network bandwidth availability and adjusts storage process resource allocation accordingly. When network bandwidth is constrained (indicated by pause frames), the system reduces computing resources allocated to the storage process, preventing resource waste and avoiding bottlenecks while maintaining optimal network bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the storage process by adjusting resource allocation based on network conditions. By modifying computing resources (CPU, memory) dynamically according to network throughput, the system optimizes the balance between storage process performance and network bandwidth utilization, preventing both resource underutilization and network bottlenecks.
3Productivity
If less resources are allocated to storage process, then other processes benefit from unused resources, but network bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to insufficient data production
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors network flow control signals to detect when network bandwidth is underutilized due to insufficient data production. When pause frames indicate available network capacity, the system increases resources allocated to the storage process, enabling it to produce more data and utilize the available network bandwidth, thereby preventing waste of network capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If resource allocation is based on high network card bandwidth, then resource allocation increases, but actual network throughput utilization deteriorates due to channel limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses network flow control signals as feedback to measure actual network throughput rather than relying on theoretical network card bandwidth specifications. This feedback mechanism reveals the true available bandwidth by observing when the network channel is congested or idle, allowing the system to allocate resources based on actual utilization rather than optimistic theoretical estimates.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or devices are provided for dynamic resource allocation based upon network flow control. For example, a first counter, corresponding to a count of communication availability signals provided by a network interface to a storage process, may be maintained. A second counter, corresponding to a count of communication unavailability signals provided by the network interface to the storage process, may be maintained. Responsive to the first counter exceeding a resource allocation threshold, additional resources may be dynamically allocated to the storage process during operation of the storage process. Responsive to the second counter exceeding a resource deallocation threshold, resources may be dynamically deallocated from the storage process during operation of the storage process. In this way, resources allocation for the storage process may be dynamically adjusted based upon real-time network flow control information indicative of whether the storage process is efficiently utilizing network communication channel availability.