Storage Device Local Data Relocation for Read Requests

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage systems experience performance degradation due to increased communication bandwidth consumption for data relocation, especially when using higher storage density modes like QLC, which leads to delays in transmitting user data.

Innovation Solution

The storage device locally relocates data to a new location within itself without transmitting it to the storage controller, preserving communication bandwidth and improving system performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data is relocated using conventional storage systems with higher storage density modes like QLC, then storage capacity is improved, but communication bandwidth consumption increases and system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data relocation function from the storage controller and implements it locally within the storage device itself. This separation allows the storage controller to focus on host communication while the storage device handles internal data movement, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption and improving overall system performance while maintaining high storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device performs self-service by autonomously relocating its own data without requiring storage controller intervention. The storage device includes a relocation controller that independently manages data movement between different storage areas, eliminating the need for controller-mediated data transmission and preserving communication bandwidth for user data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If data is relocated through storage controller mediation, then data management control is improved, but communication bandwidth is consumed and transmission delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management controlVSAvoidtransmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage system into distinct functional units: a storage controller for host communication and data management, and a storage device with an integrated relocation controller for autonomous data movement. This segmentation allows parallel operation where data relocation occurs independently without blocking host-controller communication, thereby reducing transmission delays while maintaining management control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary relocation controller within the storage device that mediates data movement operations. This intermediary handles data relocation locally without requiring communication with the storage controller, acting as an autonomous agent that preserves bandwidth while maintaining data integrity and management oversight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12405742B2Optimized read request processing for relocated data

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

A command to relocate data from a first set of data blocks at the plurality of storage devices to a second set of data blocks while bypassing the storage controller is transmitted by the storage controller. The command includes address information associated with the second set of blocks to store the relocated data.