Distributed File Metadata Tables for Scalable Directory Trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file systems face inefficiencies in metadata management due to exponential growth in metadata size, leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies in operations, particularly in distributed systems where directory tree management complicates metadata access and modification.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method that assigns array identifiers to metadata based on directory levels, constructing metadata management tables to manage directory trees efficiently and flexibly, allowing for efficient metadata management and flexible directory tree modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metadata is managed by segmentation and dividing in a distributed file system, then the system can handle larger metadata volumes, but it becomes impossible to provide efficient metadata access and flexible interface for metadata modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments metadata management by introducing array identifiers that correspond to directory levels in the directory tree. Each metadata node is assigned an array identifier based on its directory level, enabling segmented management of metadata while maintaining efficient access through the hierarchical structure. This segmentation allows the system to handle large metadata volumes without sacrificing access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for metadata management by adding array identifiers that represent directory levels. This transforms the traditional flat or simple hierarchical metadata structure into a multi-dimensional structure where metadata can be accessed and modified efficiently through the array identifier hierarchy, resolving the contradiction between handling large volumes and maintaining access efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single metadata node manages all metadata, then the system structure is simple, but it becomes a bottleneck and cannot handle growing metadata volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single metadata node into multiple metadata nodes distributed across the system. Each metadata node manages a specific portion of the directory tree identified by array identifiers. This segmentation distributes the metadata management load, eliminating the bottleneck while maintaining a relatively simple system structure through the use of a standardized array identifier mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single metadata node to a multi-node architecture by introducing the array identifier dimension. This allows the system to scale metadata management capability by adding more nodes along the array identifier hierarchy, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If directory tree management is performed with traditional methods, then the structure is straightforward, but it cannot provide flexible interface for metadata modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the directory tree management by introducing array identifiers at different directory levels. This segmentation enables flexible metadata modification by allowing operations to be performed on specific segments of the directory tree identified by their array identifiers, rather than requiring entire tree traversals or complex restructuring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the array identifier dimension to the traditional directory tree structure, creating a multi-dimensional management interface. This enhancement provides flexibility for metadata modification by enabling direct access and modification at specific directory levels through their array identifiers, without requiring complex tree traversal or restructuring operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing method and apparatus are disclosed, wherein the data processing method is applied to a metadata management node in a distributed file system, including: determining a directory level of metadata to be processed in a directory tree, and assigning an array identifier to the metadata to be processed based on the directory level; and constructing a metadata management table corresponding to the metadata to be processed based on the array identifier and metadata in the directory tree, and managing the directory tree based on the metadata management table. Dividing of the metadata management table and the directory tree is implemented by means of the data identifier, which can achieve efficient metadata management.