Network Storage Volume Management via Peer-to-Peer Key Exchange

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network-based storage devices lack efficient management solutions that do not require additional external controllers, leading to increased costs and complexity in configuring and managing volumes across multiple storage devices.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first storage device is set as a main storage device, receiving local keys from other storage devices via a peer-to-peer scheme, allowing it to manage and configure volumes without external controllers, and transmit these keys to a host device, enabling direct data exchange between storage devices and the host.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional external controllers are used to manage volumes across multiple storage devices, then management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume management capabilityVSAvoidcontroller quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the volume management function into one of the existing storage devices (designated as the first storage device), eliminating the need for separate external controllers. This storage device collects local keys from other storage devices and manages volume configurations centrally, achieving unified management while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first storage device performs multiple functions: it acts as a regular storage device while simultaneously serving as a volume management controller. It collects local keys from other storage devices, manages volume configurations, and coordinates data access across the network, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated external controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional external controllers are used to manage volumes across multiple storage devices, then management capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume management capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the volume management function into one of the existing storage devices (designated as the first storage device), eliminating the need for separate external controllers. This storage device collects local keys from other storage devices and manages volume configurations centrally, achieving unified management while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first storage device performs multiple functions: it acts as a regular storage device while simultaneously serving as a volume management controller. It collects local keys from other storage devices, manages volume configurations, and coordinates data access across the network, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated external controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If peer-to-peer key exchange is implemented between storage devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but communication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first storage device acts as an intermediary in the peer-to-peer communication network. It collects local keys from other storage devices and manages the key distribution, simplifying the communication protocol while enabling efficient direct data access between storage devices without requiring constant host device intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11765229B2Method of operating network-based storage device, method of operating storage system using the same and storage module performing the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In a method of operating network-based storage devices, a first storage device having a first local key among a plurality of storage devices is set as a first main storage device. The storage devices are connected to each other through a network. A volume of at least a part of the plurality of storage devices is set and managed by the first storage device based on a first control signal received from an external host device. A second local key is received by the first storage device from a second storage device having the second local key among the plurality of storage devices. The first local key and the second local key are transmitted by the first storage device to the external host device.