NAS System with Native REST API for Cloud Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-attached storage (NAS) systems, such as Isilon®, primarily offer file-level and simple block-level data access, which is insufficient for meeting the diverse access requirements of custom applications, especially in cloud environments and big data scenarios, limiting their integration with modern applications and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing native Representational State Transfer (REST)-based APIs in NAS systems to provide data storage functionality at various levels, including file, block, object, and Hadoop File System levels, allowing users to customize and extend data access and system management functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NAS systems provide only file-level and simple block-level data access, then the system architecture remains simple and stable, but the system cannot meet the diverse access requirements of custom applications in cloud environments and big data scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data access functionality by implementing multiple independent API layers (file-level API, block-level API, object-level REST API) that can operate independently. Each API layer handles specific access requirements without interfering with others, allowing the system to provide diverse access methods while maintaining architectural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal NAS system that can serve multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The system provides file-level access, block-level access, and object-level REST API access simultaneously, enabling it to meet diverse application requirements (traditional file sharing, cloud services, big data processing) without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NAS systems implement multiple data access levels (file, block, object, HDFS), then the system can integrate with modern applications and infrastructure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the NAS architecture by introducing RESTful object-level APIs as an additional access layer. This doesn't complicate the existing file and block level operations but adds a new dimension of access methodology, allowing modern applications to interact with the NAS system using standard REST protocols while traditional applications continue using file and block protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RESTful APIs as an intermediary layer between the NAS storage system and modern applications. This intermediary layer translates various access requests (file, block, object, HDFS) into standardized REST operations, simplifying the integration complexity by providing a uniform interface that handles the diversity of access requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NAS systems support custom application requirements, then user customization and functionality expansion are enabled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user customization through parameter changes in the RESTful API layer. Users can configure access permissions, data formats, and operation parameters without modifying the underlying NAS system architecture. The system maintains operational simplicity by allowing these customizations through configurable parameters rather than requiring system reconfiguration or complex setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system includes: one or more storage nodes configured to attach to a computer network to provide network-attached storage for the computer network; a first application programming interface providing data storage functionality at a file level in the one or more network-attached storage nodes for a first set of application programs operating in the computer network; and a second application programming interface providing data storage functionality at a level other than the file level in the one or more network-attached storage nodes for a second set of application programs operating in the computer network, wherein the second application programming interface comprises one or more native representational state transfer-based application programming interfaces.