Intelligent Storage Adapter OS Recovery Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems lack efficient methods for managing and recovering from a corrupt operating system, particularly in scenarios where redundant copies are needed for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intelligent storage adapter (ISA) that manages local storage devices as caching devices, interfacing with storage area networks (SAN) to provide transparent data caching and synchronization, enabling the storage of operating system copies and allowing for seamless recovery from corrupted states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant copies of the operating system are stored in remote storage, then reliability is improved, but access speed and recovery time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a caching device as an intermediary between the computing system and remote storage. This caching device stores copies of the operating system locally, providing fast access while maintaining the redundancy benefit. The caching device acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between remote storage reliability and local access speed by holding intermediate copies closer to the computing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple levels: local caching device and remote storage. This segmentation allows the system to store operating system copies at different locations with different access characteristics. The local cache provides rapid access for recovery, while remote storage maintains the redundant copies, thus resolving the time-speed tradeoff.
2Speed
If operating system copies are stored in local storage, then access speed is improved, but storage capacity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The caching device is designed to serve multiple functions: storing operating system copies for rapid recovery, caching frequently accessed data, and providing buffer storage. This multi-functionality justifies the local storage capacity investment by demonstrating that the same storage resource provides multiple benefits beyond just OS redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameters by using high-speed storage media (such as SSDs or RAM) for the caching device, which provides faster access speeds per unit capacity compared to traditional disk storage. This parameter change allows the system to achieve rapid access with smaller, more cost-effective local storage capacity.
3Ease of operation
If manual management of operating system copies is used, then control and security are improved, but device complexity and operational overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The caching device incorporates automatic management capabilities that allow it to self-service by autonomously acquiring, storing, and managing operating system copies. The device can automatically detect when OS images are needed, retrieve them from remote storage, and maintain them in the cache without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing operational overhead while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the caching device monitors the state of the computing system and automatically responds by providing or retrieving operating system copies as needed. This feedback loop enables automatic management while maintaining security and control through predefined policies and authentication mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a network device are provided. The network device includes a storage protocol controller having a port for interfacing with a storage area network (SAN) based storage device; a processor executing instructions for managing a local storage device that is configured to operate as a caching device for a computing device. The local storage device is used to store a recovery copy of an operating system of the computing device, where the recovery copy is accessible via a processor executable basic/input output (BIOS) utility.