Network Storage Migration and Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems and networks face challenges in managing storage space as devices fill up, leading to the need for additional storage solutions, with existing methods lacking efficient consolidation and data protection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A network storage system that consolidates local storage devices by transferring their contents to a network storage device, maintaining access permissions and metadata, and providing data protection services like backup and redundancy, while allowing seamless access and repurposing of storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional storage devices are added to expand storage capacity, then storage space is increased, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple local storage devices into a single network storage system. The network storage device consolidates data from multiple sources (USB hard disks, internal drives, etc.) into one centralized location, reducing the number of separate storage devices the user must manage while maintaining expanded storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network storage device serves multiple functions: it acts as a consolidated storage repository, provides data protection through backup and redundancy, enables seamless access redirection, and allows flexible repurposing of original devices. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices and management systems.
2Device complexity
If storage devices are consolidated to network storage, then management complexity is reduced, but access speed and responsiveness may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary redirection mechanism that transparently redirects access requests from client devices to the network storage device. This mediator layer maintains the illusion of local access while routing operations through the network, preserving user experience and access speed without requiring direct local storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring redirection mechanisms and maintaining metadata about original storage locations. This allows the system to anticipate and optimize access patterns, reducing the perceived latency of network storage access by preparing redirect paths in advance.
3Productivity
If local storage devices are removed after migration, then storage resources are optimized, but data protection and availability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates copies of data from local storage devices and stores them on the network storage device. This copying process enables the original devices to be removed or repurposed while maintaining data availability through the network storage copies, thus protecting data while optimizing resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements data protection measures in advance by establishing network storage backups and redundancy mechanisms before original devices are removed. This prior cushioning ensures that if any issues arise, data remains protected and available through the network storage system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If access redirection is implemented to network storage, then storage flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the network storage device automatically manages redirection configurations, metadata updates, and access routing. This automation reduces the manual complexity burden on users while maintaining high storage flexibility and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network storage system may receive the contents of a storage device attached to a client device to the network storage system. The network storage system may then redirect access to the contents of the client device to the network storage system. The storage device may then be removed or repurposed. Storage device management may be performed by the client device or the network storage system. A policy may be used to define under what circumstances the contents of a storage device may be moved to a network storage system, or data movement may be initiated by a user. Any access permissions or other metadata associated with files on the original storage device can be preserved.