Natural Language Access Rules for Storage Fleet Data Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in managing data storage operations, particularly in flash storage systems, where lower-level storage controllers perform processes that can lead to redundant write operations and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where higher-level operating systems initiate and control processes directly on flash drives, eliminating the need for lower-level storage controllers to perform these operations, thereby reducing redundant writes and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lower-level storage controllers perform data storage operations, then device functionality is distributed, but redundant write operations increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from lower-level storage controllers and consolidates it into higher-level operating systems. The OS directly initiates and controls flash storage operations, eliminating the intermediate storage controller layer that caused redundant writes. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful intermediary while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions previously distributed across multiple storage controllers into a single centralized location (the operating system). By consolidating control at the OS level, the system eliminates redundant operations between controllers while maintaining comprehensive control over flash storage operations, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If higher-level operating systems control flash storage directly, then redundant write operations decrease, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the operating system directly responsible for multiple storage control functions that were previously handled by dedicated storage controllers. The OS universally handles initialization, data storage, wear leveling, and garbage collection across all flash drives. This multi-functionality approach improves productivity by eliminating redundant writes while managing complexity through a single control point rather than multiple specialized controllers.
3Reliability
If centralized control is implemented across multiple flash drives, then write operations are optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flash storage system into independent addressable units (individual flash drives) that can be managed separately by the OS. Each drive maintains its own integrity while the OS coordinates across them. This segmentation allows optimized write operations across multiple drives without requiring a complex monolithic control structure, as each drive can be controlled independently yet cooperatively.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving, by a storage fleet control plane of a storage fleet, a natural language statement regarding access control for a data element stored on a storage system included in a plurality of storage systems of the storage fleet; determining, based on the natural language statement, an actor and an action regarding the access control for the data element; generating, based on the determining the actor and the action, an access control rule for the data element; applying, based on the generating the access control rule, the access control rule to the data element; receiving a request associated with the data element; and performing, based on the request and the access control rule, an operation with respect to the data element.