Storage Extent Migration Using Write Indicator Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for migrating extents of tracks between storage devices in a hierarchical storage environment are inefficient, as they often result in unnecessary data copies and wear out solid state storage devices due to frequent writing to the same locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that manage write operations by maintaining an extent object to track updates, copying only changed data from the second storage to the first storage, and using wear leveling to distribute writes across the storage device, thereby reducing unnecessary writes and prolonging the life of solid state storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all data from an extent is copied during migration between storage devices, then data consistency is maintained, but unnecessary data copies increase wear on solid state storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (write indicators and updated data) from the extent during migration, rather than copying the entire extent. The extent object maintains metadata about which tracks were updated, allowing selective copying of only those tracks to the first storage device, thereby reducing unnecessary data copies and wear on solid state storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary tracking of write operations by maintaining write indicators in the extent object before migration occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to identify which tracks need to be copied during migration, avoiding unnecessary copies and reducing wear on storage devices before the actual migration takes place.
2Productivity
If frequent writes are performed to the same storage locations during migration, then data is updated efficiently, but storage device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different tracks within an extent differently based on their update status. Only tracks with write indicators set to true are copied during migration, while tracks without updates are skipped. This selective approach reduces the number of write operations on the first storage device, thereby extending its lifespan while maintaining migration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data copying from copying the entire extent to copying only updated tracks based on write indicators. This parameter change reduces the volume of data written to the first storage device during migration, minimizing wear and extending storage device lifespan while maintaining efficient data migration.
3Reliability
If the entire extent is copied to ensure data consistency, then data integrity is maintained, but the number of write operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the updated tracks from the extent based on write indicators, rather than copying the entire extent. This extraction approach maintains data integrity for modified tracks while significantly reducing the number of write operations on the first storage device, as only necessary data is copied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by copying only the necessary portion of the extent (updated tracks) rather than the entire extent. This partial copying approach maintains data integrity for modified data while reducing the quantity of write operations, avoiding unnecessary writes to the first storage device.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for managing write operations to an extent of tracks migrated between storage device. An operation to migrate an extent of tracks from the second storage to the first storage is processed. A determination is made of the tracks in the extent having a write indicator indicating that the track was updated in the second storage since the previous time. The data for the determined tracks is copied from the second storage to free locations in the first storage. An extent object for the extent is updated to indicate the free locations to which the data for the tracks were copied as an active address for the track.