File Sharing Volume Migration Based on Usage Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional file sharing systems lack the ability to select a data migration method based on the usage status of the migration target volume, leading to inefficient data transfer and wastage of storage resources, as they use the same method regardless of the host's utilization frequency.
Innovation Solution
A file sharing system that uses separate communication channels for file-level and block-level data transfer, with a usage status discrimination section to select between volume copying and file copying methods based on the migration source volume's usage percentage, and generates migration destination volumes accordingly, optimizing data migration and storage resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same data migration method is used regardless of usage status, then the migration process is simple, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates and storage resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between volume copying and file copying methods based on the usage status of the migration target volume. When usage status indicates high frequency access, volume copying is selected for efficiency. When usage status indicates low frequency access, file copying is selected to conserve storage resources. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the migration method according to actual usage patterns rather than using a fixed approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the migration method parameter based on the usage status parameter. By monitoring usage status (frequency of host access to migration target volume), the system switches between two migration approaches: volume-level copying for frequently accessed volumes and file-level copying for infrequently accessed volumes. This parameter-based selection optimizes both transfer efficiency and resource utilization.
2Ease of operation
If storage resources are allocated for migration destination volume regardless of usage frequency, then the volume is ready for immediate use, but storage resources are wasted on low-utilization volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different resource allocation strategies to different volumes based on their usage characteristics. For high-usage volumes, full volume copying is performed to ensure immediate availability and performance. For low-usage volumes, selective file copying is performed, allocating storage resources only for the actual data files rather than the entire volume structure. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between availability and resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete volume copying for all migration targets, the system performs partial copying only for files that will actually be used. For low-usage volumes, it copies only the necessary files rather than the entire volume, avoiding the excessive allocation of storage resources while still ensuring the needed data is available for migration.
3Speed
If volume copying method is used for all migrations, then data transfer speed is improved, but storage resources are consumed for low-usage volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the copying granularity parameter based on usage status. For high-usage volumes, volume copying is selected to maximize transfer speed. For low-usage volumes, file copying is selected to minimize storage resource consumption. This parameter adjustment based on usage characteristics resolves the contradiction between transfer speed and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The file sharing system of the present invention selects a suitable data migration method that corresponds with the usage status and transfers data efficiently. A virtual volume and a migration source volume which is the migration target volume are associated by means of an external connection control section. When an instruction for volume migration is issued, the usage percentage judgment section compares the usage percentage of the migration source volume with a designated threshold value. When the usage percentage is equal to or more than the threshold value, volume copying is selected. The volume copy section copies data at the block level from the virtual volume to the migration destination volume. When the usage percentage is less than the threshold value, file copying is selected. The file copy section reads files stored in the migration source volume via the host and writes the files to the migration destination volume.