Hypervisor-Based Multi-Core Storage Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face challenges in effectively utilizing multi-core processors to integrate higher level data management applications with lower level block oriented storage management features, such as RAID storage management, due to difficulties in achieving real-time response and parallel processing in multi-core environments.
Innovation Solution
A hypervisor manages multiple processors in a multi-core processor to create virtual machines for both block level storage management and data management applications, allowing for efficient real-time processing and integration of these functions within a single storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If higher level data management applications are provided as external network appliances, then data management functions can be provided, but device complexity and integration with multi-core processors is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges higher level data management applications with the storage system controller by integrating them into the same multi-core processor platform. Instead of using external network appliances, the applications are combined with block level storage management functions in a unified controller architecture, reducing system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - both block level storage management and higher level data management applications - by utilizing the multi-core processor's ability to run different workloads on different cores. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external appliances while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If block oriented RAID storage management is implemented on multi-core processors, then parallel processing capability is increased, but achieving real-time response becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-core processor into dedicated cores for real-time block level storage management and other cores for higher level data management applications. This segmentation allows the real-time critical paths to be isolated on specific cores, ensuring deterministic response times while other cores handle parallel processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer or intermediary mechanism that coordinates between the real-time storage management tasks and parallel processing tasks on different cores. This intermediary manages resource allocation and task scheduling to maintain real-time guarantees while enabling parallel processing capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If data management applications operate on external servers, then independence from storage system is maintained, but tight integration and performance optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data management applications with the storage system controller in the same physical device, enabling tight integration and optimized performance through shared hardware resources and direct communication pathways, while maintaining logical separation through virtualization or process isolation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for integrated data management and block level storage management in a storage system having a controller with a multi-core processor. A hypervisor manages the multi-core processor such that at least one processor is used in a first virtual machine on which a block level storage management process is operable. The first virtual machine may also operate under the control of a real-time operating system. The hypervisor also defines a second virtual machine using one or more other processor cores and operates a data management application process optionally under control of a general purpose operating system. The optional general purpose operating system and the data management application process access storage devices by communicating through the hypervisor with the block level storage management process operable in the first virtual machine.