Local Storage Device Management via Service Provider API
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service provider networks lack the ability for users to dynamically manage local storage devices connected to compute instances, limiting flexibility and efficiency in handling storage failures or performance issues, as users are typically tied to initial storage configurations with no straightforward method to add, detach, or replace local storage devices during runtime.
Innovation Solution
A service provider network API is introduced that allows users to manage local storage devices through API endpoints, enabling operations such as attaching, detaching, and replacing local storage devices, with options to indicate device failure or underperformance, facilitating repair or replacement with minimal downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local storage devices are physically connected to compute instances, then storage performance and reliability are improved, but user flexibility and ease of management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical storage device and the compute instance through virtualization technologies. This intermediary enables dynamic management operations (attach, detach, replace) without requiring physical disconnection, thus maintaining both reliability and operational flexibility. The virtualization layer acts as a mediator that decouples the physical connection from logical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic storage management where storage devices can be attached, detached, and replaced during runtime without shutting down compute instances. This dynamic capability transforms static physical connections into flexible, reconfigurable storage assignments, resolving the contradiction between stable physical connections and management flexibility.
2Loss of time
If storage devices are replaced during runtime, then downtime is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a pool of pre-configured spare storage devices ready for immediate deployment. When a storage device needs replacement, pre-prepared substitutes are already available, eliminating the need for time-consuming procurement and initial configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying mechanisms where storage device states and configurations are replicated to ensure seamless replacement. By creating and maintaining copies of storage device states, the system enables rapid substitution without data loss or extended downtime, though this does increase system complexity through the need for replication infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for are described which enable users of a service provider network to manage local storage devices connected to computer systems of the service provider network as a service. A service provider network provides an application programming interface (API) that enables users to manage local storage devices in association with compute instances created by users using a hardware virtualization service of the service provider network. The API can be used to attach local storage devices to compute instances (that is, make local storage devices available for use as a block storage device), detach local storage devices from compute instances (that is, make local storage devices unavailable for use by a compute instance and possibly available for use by other compute instances on the same computer system), among other possible operations.