Logical Unit Routing to Multiple Backend Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer interface services, such as iSCSI target services, face limitations in storage capacity and I/O performance due to the use of a single backend object, which also results in significant downtime during resizing operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating and managing logical units using multiple backend data objects, allowing for metadata mapping that associates logical block addresses with allocated backend objects, enabling parallel I/O operations and reducing downtime during resizing by affecting only a subset of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single backend object is used to store data for a logical unit, then the system structure is simple, but the storage capacity is limited to the maximum size of the backend object (e.g., 62 TB) and I/O performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple backend objects instead of using a single backend object. Each backend object can be independently managed and accessed, allowing the system to exceed the maximum size limit of a single backend object while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization and mapping mechanisms
2Productivity
If a single large backend object is used, then the system structure is simple, but the I/O performance is reduced compared to smaller objects
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is segmented into multiple smaller backend objects, each optimized for better I/O performance. The mapping structure enables efficient routing of I/O operations to appropriate backend objects, achieving high performance without requiring a single large backend object
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization through the mapping structure that connects logical block addresses to physical backend objects. This additional layer of abstraction enables efficient I/O operations across multiple backend objects without sacrificing the simplicity of the logical interface
3Ease of operation
If resizing is performed on a single backend object, then the operation is straightforward, but the service must be interrupted causing substantial downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple backend objects, allowing resizing operations to be performed on individual objects or subsets of objects rather than requiring interruption of the entire service. This enables continuous operation on unaffected backend objects during resizing
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping structure is established in advance, enabling the system to route I/O operations to appropriate backend objects before resizing begins. This preliminary organization allows seamless transitions during resizing operations without service interruption
4Quantity of substance
If multiple backend objects are used to exceed storage limits, then storage capacity is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage capacity is divided into multiple backend objects that can be independently managed. The mapping structure provides a systematic way to organize and access these segmented objects, enabling the system to exceed single-object size limits while maintaining operational simplicity through structured management
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein describes enabling use of a logical unit for data storage in a distributed storage system using a plurality of backend data objects. Based on receiving instructions to create a logical unit of a logical unit size, a target backend object size to be used with the logical unit is determined, and a plurality of backend objects for allocation to the logical unit is calculated. The backend objects are allocated to the logical unit and a metadata mapping associated with the logical unit is generated. The metadata mapping associates logical block addresses of the logical unit to the allocated backend objects. The logical unit is linked with the metadata mapping in an input/output (I/O) service and, based on the linked metadata mapping, I/O traffic is routed to and from the logical unit. Using multiple backend objects enhances flexibility and efficiency of data storage on the distributed storage system.