External Data Interface for Clustered Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The discrepancy between growing data storage needs and limited data transmission bandwidth leads to costly or time-consuming data transfer between storage facilities, and existing solutions for data transfer using portable storage devices face challenges such as capacity limitations and complex reprovisioning processes when a device in a clustered configuration malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network-attachable data transfer devices with external data interfaces and switching devices that allow authorized external entities to access data storage, enabling data access and provisioning even when devices are degraded, and using redundancy coding schemes to maintain data availability and reliability during cluster operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transferred between storage facilities using traditional data transmission mechanisms, then data transmission bandwidth is limited, but data transfer becomes prohibitively costly or lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into multiple portable storage devices forming a clustered configuration. Each device can be independently managed and accessed, allowing parallel data operations that effectively increase transmission speed and reduce overall data transfer time between storage facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable storage devices as intermediary carriers between source and destination storage facilities. These devices physically transport data at higher speeds than traditional network transmission, effectively bridging the bandwidth gap and reducing transfer time.
2Quantity of substance
If a single portable storage device is used for data transfer, then capacity is limited, but using multiple devices in a cluster increases complexity of management and reprovisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface and standardized communication protocol across all devices in the cluster, allowing any device to assume any role (data storage, management, or coordination). This multi-functionality simplifies cluster management and reduces complexity when adding or removing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices in the cluster to automatically detect and adapt to changes in cluster composition. When a device is added or removed, remaining devices self-organize and reconfigure data distribution without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing management complexity.
3Reliability
If redundancy codes are used in clustered configuration to improve reliability, then data availability is improved, but cluster operation degrades when a device malfunctions until reconfiguration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-distributes data across multiple devices in the cluster with built-in redundancy codes before any failure occurs. This preliminary distribution ensures that when a device malfunctions, the system can immediately access redundant copies from other devices without requiring reconfiguration, maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device is implemented in a network-attachable data transfer device to provide data storage access to other such devices. In some embodiments, network-attachable data transfer devices are arranged in a clustered configuration to provide various computational and storage services. When one or more devices of the cluster fails, various implementations associated with the switching device, via an external data interface, provide operational mitigation, optimized data recovery, and efficient reinstatement of normal operation of the cluster.