Hybrid Storage Data Block Migration for Performance Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid storage technologies lack flexibility and scalability, particularly at the cluster level, and fail to optimize storage capacity and data operation speed due to fixed ratios of SSD to HDD and complex configurations based on single device mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic method that configures storage locations of data blocks based on access frequency, migrating frequently accessed data blocks from HDD to SSD and infrequently accessed data blocks from SSD to HDD, optimizing storage performance by leveraging the strengths of both devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ratio of SSD to HDD is used in hybrid hard disk technology, then the storage system can be simplified to configure, but the system cannot be effectively adapted to different scenarios to achieve optimal cost performance ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage location adjustment where data blocks are periodically migrated between SSD and HDD based on access frequency. Frequently accessed data blocks are moved to SSD, while infrequently accessed blocks are moved to HDD. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different access patterns and scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Speed
If flashcache technology adds a new cache layer between VFS and device driver, then reading performance can be accelerated, but the system configuration becomes more complex and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic data block migration based on access frequency statistics. The system automatically identifies frequently accessed data blocks and migrates them to SSD without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The migration decision is made autonomously based on predefined access frequency thresholds, simplifying the configuration while maintaining performance acceleration benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hybrid storage technology is applied at cluster level, then scalability can be improved, but the existing technology fails to be implemented at the cluster level due to single device mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into independent data blocks that can be individually managed and migrated. Each data block is treated as an independent unit with its own access frequency statistics, allowing the mechanism to scale from single device to cluster level. The segmentation enables distributed implementation where each node can independently manage its data blocks while participating in the overall hybrid storage strategy.
4Quantity of substance
If HDD is used for large capacity storage, then storage capacity is improved, but data access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating storage locations based on data access characteristics. Frequently accessed data blocks are stored on SSD with fast access speed, while infrequently accessed data blocks are stored on HDD with large capacity. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both high storage capacity and fast data access speed for critical data, resolving the contradiction between capacity and speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example control methods of hybrid storage are provided, which are applied to each HDD-type storage device and each SSD-type storage device in a storage system having one or more HDD-type storage devices and one or more SSD-type storage devices. Each HDD-type storage device in the storage system is connected to the SSD-type storage device. Each HDD-type storage device and each SSD-type storage device stores one or more data blocks respectively. Access information of each data block stored in a storage device is periodically acquired. A storage location of each data block in the storage system is adjusted according to the acquired access information of each data block. By using the technical solution of the present disclosure, the storage location of the data block is dynamically configured according to an access frequency so that advantages of different storage devices are fully utilized.