Network Storage Controller with Direct NVMe Translation and NVM Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SSD interfaces face increased latency due to the need for protocol translation across multiple layers, and there is a lack of efficient methods for capacity expansion in network storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A network storage device with a network storage controller that directly translates network protocols into commands for nonvolatile memory devices, utilizing a nonvolatile memory cluster with switches and arrays, allowing separate command and data paths, and enabling easy expansion through NVM switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NVMe-oF protocol translation is implemented across multiple protocol layers, then network storage functionality is achieved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol translation function from the traditional multi-layer approach and implements it directly at the network interface layer. The network storage controller performs direct translation between Ethernet protocols and NVMe protocols without requiring intermediate protocol layers, thereby eliminating the latency caused by multiple translation steps while maintaining network storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated network storage controller as an intermediary component that directly bridges the Ethernet network fabric and the NVMe storage subsystem. This controller performs protocol translation and command routing functions, enabling direct communication between network fabric and storage devices without requiring multiple protocol translation layers, thus reducing latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SSD interfaces are used, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but expandability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network storage controller that can handle multiple protocols (Ethernet, NVMe, and intermediate protocols) through a single integrated device. The controller is designed to perform protocol translation, command routing, and data buffering functions universally, enabling the system to expand storage capacity by simply adding more storage devices through the network fabric without requiring complex protocol adaptation for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into independent network-attached storage units that can be individually added or removed from the network fabric. Each storage device maintains its own protocol translation capability, allowing the system to scale by adding modular units without increasing overall controller complexity. The network fabric itself provides the expansion mechanism, separating storage capacity growth from controller complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a network storage device connected with a network fabric includes a network storage controller that performs interfacing with the network fabric and translates and processes a command provided through the network fabric, and a nonvolatile memory cluster that exchanges data with the network storage controller under control of the network storage controller. The nonvolatile memory cluster includes a first nonvolatile memory array connected with the network storage controller through a first channel, a nonvolatile memory switch connected with the network storage controller through a second channel, and a second nonvolatile memory array communicating with the network storage controller under control of the nonvolatile memory switch.