Dynamic Strip Size Allocation for RAID Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage systems with multiple Data Storage Devices (DSDs) face inefficiencies in data distribution and access due to fixed strip sizes, leading to varying data transfer rates and inconsistent throughput, especially in RAID configurations where data is striped across multiple disks with different radial locations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic strip size allocation based on radial locations within the DSDs, where each portion of a data stripe has varying sizes to balance data transfer rates and ensure consistent access times across all DSDs, thereby optimizing data transfer rates and throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed strip sizes are used for data striping across multiple DSDs, then data distribution is simplified, but data transfer rates vary and throughput becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata distribution complexityVSAvoiddata transfer rate consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic strip size allocation where the size of data strips assigned to each DSD is not fixed but varies based on the radial location of the data on the disk. This allows the system to adapt to different data transfer rates at different radial locations, optimizing throughput by allocating larger strips to faster outer regions and smaller strips to slower inner regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of strip size from a constant value to a variable value that depends on radial location. By adjusting the strip size parameter dynamically based on where the data is located radially on the disk, the system achieves consistent data transfer rates across all DSDs while maintaining relatively simple data distribution mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If data is stored at different radial locations on DSDs, then storage capacity is utilized efficiently, but access times vary leading to inconsistent throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoidaccess time variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the strip size based on radial location to compensate for the inherent time loss in accessing data at different radial positions. By making the strip size a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, the system balances the access time variations and achieves consistent throughput across all DSDs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10572358B1Data management in RAID environment

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A data storage system includes a plurality of Data Storage Devices (DSDs) having a total storage capacity available for storing user data among the plurality of DSDs. Each DSD of the plurality of DSDs has a DSD storage capacity that contributes to the total storage capacity of the plurality of DSDs. A strip size is assigned to each DSD of the plurality of DSDs based at least in part on a portion of the total storage capacity that is contributed by the DSD storage capacity of the respective DSD. Data is received for storage in a data stripe across the plurality of DSDs and the data stripe is stored across the plurality of DSDs such that each DSD of the plurality of DSDs stores a different portion of the data stripe having the strip size assigned to the DSD.