Near-Memory Allocation Unit State Control for Centralized Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing allocation units in centralized logging storage arrays, particularly in determining when and how to allocate the next unit, ensuring data integrity, and handling client device failures or disconnections during data writing.
Innovation Solution
A near memory processing (NMP) module that automatically manages allocation units by changing their states (ACTIVE, UNINITIALISED, SEALED) based on client commands, allowing seamless transitions and resource management without additional communication, ensuring efficient and robust data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If allocation units are stored in a single centralized location, then data access is simple, but access time increases and bottleneck occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the allocation units into multiple groups and distributes them across different storage locations or devices. Each group can be accessed independently, eliminating the single-point bottleneck and enabling parallel access operations that improve overall data retrieval speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by implementing a hierarchical structure with multiple levels of allocation unit groups. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous access from different pathways, reducing access time while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
2Loss of time
If allocation units are distributed across multiple locations, then access time decreases, but tracking and management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mapping structure that can handle multiple allocation unit groups through a single consistent mechanism. The mapping table serves multiple functions: tracking physical locations, managing group assignments, and enabling rapid lookup across all distributed units, thereby reducing management complexity despite widespread distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary layer between the logical view of allocation units and their physical distributed locations. This intermediary structure simplifies tracking by providing a centralized lookup mechanism that abstracts away the complexity of physical distribution while maintaining fast access to all scattered units.
3Productivity
If near memory processing is implemented, then processing speed improves, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage and processing functions by placing processing capabilities directly at the storage location where allocation unit groups are held. This integration eliminates data movement between separate memory and processing units, dramatically improving processing throughput while adding complexity only at the edge rather than requiring a complete architectural overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local processing units that are specifically optimized for handling allocation unit groups at their respective storage locations. Each processing unit has the specific capabilities needed for its local data, improving overall productivity through specialized local processing rather than requiring complex centralized processing for all data types.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a near memory processing, NMP, module (202A-N, 302A-N, 406A-N) for a centralized logging storage array (204, 304) which includes one or more servers (206A-N, 306A-N) configured to host one or more allocation units (208A-N, 308A-N, 404A-N, 502A-N, 604A-N) assigned to a logical volume, where the NMP module is associated with the one or more allocation units. The NMP module is configured to return a current state of the associated allocation unit in response to one or more commands received from one or more client devices (402A-N, 602A-N). The state of the allocation unit includes a mode of the allocation unit which is one of modes including: ACTIVE, UNINITIALISED and SEALED. When the current mode of the allocation unit is UNINITIALISED, the NMP module is configured to change the mode of the associated allocation unit to ACTIVE in response to receiving an append command from a client device (310).