Hybrid Storage Deduplication via Caching Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deduplication in hybrid storage aggregates without considering caching statuses can counteract the performance benefits of caching, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs in data storage systems.
Innovation Solution
Implement deduplication methods that differentiate between read cache, write cache, and non-cached blocks, taking into account their caching statuses to optimize storage space and maintain performance benefits, by identifying and managing duplicate data blocks based on their caching relationships within the hybrid storage aggregate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If deduplication is performed without considering caching statuses, then storage space is optimized, but the performance benefits of caching are counteracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different data blocks with different deduplication rules based on their caching status. Read cache blocks are excluded from deduplication to preserve performance, while non-cache blocks are deduplicated to save space. This selective approach ensures that deduplication operations are localized to specific data types rather than applied uniformly across all storage blocks.
2Speed
If SSDs are used for low latency storage, then data access speed is improved, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hybrid storage aggregate into distinct tiers: SSD-based cache tiers for frequently accessed data and HDD-based storage tiers for less frequently accessed data. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed in the SSD tier while using cost-effective HDDs for the majority of storage capacity, thereby balancing performance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data movement between SSD and HDD tiers based on access patterns. Frequently accessed data is automatically moved to or cached in SSDs, while infrequently accessed data resides on HDDs. This dynamic allocation ensures that SSD capacity is used efficiently for high-value performance-critical data, minimizing overall storage costs while maintaining required performance levels.
3Loss of time
If cache space is used for frequently accessed data, then overall data access time is reduced, but storage management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service caching where the storage system automatically identifies frequently accessed data and manages its placement in cache without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously monitors access patterns, determines which blocks should be cached, and performs deduplication operations accordingly, thereby reducing data access time while keeping management complexity minimal through automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for performing deduplication in a hybrid storage aggregate are provided. In one example, a method includes operating a hybrid storage aggregate that includes a plurality of tiers of different types of physical storage media. The method includes identifying a first storage block and a second storage block of the hybrid storage aggregate that contain identical data and identifying caching statuses of the first storage block and the second storage block. The method also includes deduplicating the first storage block and the second storage block based on the caching statuses of the first storage block and the second storage block.