Stackable Building Block Directory Synchronization in NAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NAS systems require rebuilding of the file directory when disk drives are added, removed, or replaced, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method for stacking storage drives in a NAS system using stackable building blocks (SBBs) with embedded processors and storage applications, where each SBB maintains a directory of client files and can dynamically switch roles as primary or secondary, ensuring a consistent directory structure and seamless addition or removal of drives without rebuilding the file directory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If disk drives are added, removed, or replaced in existing NAS systems, then storage capacity is modified, but the file directory must be rebuilt which reduces productivity and increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The NAS system is segmented into independent stackable building blocks (SBBs), each capable of maintaining its own directory structure. This segmentation allows individual drives to be added or removed without requiring a complete system-wide directory rebuild, as each SBB operates independently while maintaining compatibility with the overall NAS architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The directory structure is pre-configured within each SBB before drives are added or removed. By maintaining ready-to-use directory templates and metadata structures in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming directory reconstruction when storage configuration changes occur.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple SBBs are stacked to expand storage, then storage capacity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each SBB is designed as a universal module that can function independently or as part of a stack. The standardized interfaces and protocols allow any SBB to be interchangeably added or removed without requiring system-specific configurations, reducing complexity despite increased storage capacity through stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple SBBs are nested in a hierarchical stack structure where each layer maintains independence but contributes to the overall storage capacity. The nested architecture allows simpler individual units to be combined into a more complex system while preserving the simplicity of individual components through standardized interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If directory structure is maintained across multiple SBBs, then seamless access to files is achieved, but data consistency requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The directory structure is copied and maintained in each SBB rather than being centrally managed. Each SBB possesses an identical or complementary copy of the directory metadata, allowing any SBB to respond to file access requests independently. This copying approach simplifies operations by eliminating the need for complex real-time synchronization protocols while maintaining data consistency across the stack.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for stacking storage drives in a network attached storage (NAS) system. The method provides a NAS stacking network including at least a first and second stackable building block (SBB), where each SBB includes a head, with an embedded processor and storage application, and a storage drive including client files. The method connects a first interface of the first SBB to a client computer device via a LAN switch, and connects a second interface of the first SBB to the first interface of the second SBB. A directory is built of client files stored in the first and second SBBs. The directory is maintained in both the first and second SBBs. In one aspect, the first SBB, acting as a primary SBB, provides access to NAS stacking network directory structure in response to an inquiry from a client computer connected to the LAN switch.