Networked Storage Devices Using Direct Attached Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data storage systems are inflexible, expensive, and specialized, with limitations in adapting to different topologies and integrating with other applications, and are restricted by application-level software and operating system limitations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing networked computerized devices with direct attached storage that communicate through a standard computer network, allowing them to behave as hosts logically coupled to an array of storage devices, enabling flexible topologies and integration with other applications, and leveraging operating system optimizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional shared bus architecture with specialized storage equipment is used, then storage services are provided with dedicated components, but the system becomes inflexible, expensive, and difficult to adapt to different topologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage service reliabilityVSAvoidtopology adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling general-purpose computer devices to perform multiple functions: they can act as storage processors, clients, or both simultaneously. The devices use standard network interfaces and operating systems rather than specialized storage hardware, allowing the same infrastructure to serve diverse storage needs and topologies without requiring dedicated storage components for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through software-based storage virtualization and dynamic device assignment. Storage processors can be dynamically added or removed from the network, and storage resources can be reallocated between clients based on demand. The system supports dynamic topology changes without requiring physical reconfiguration of dedicated storage hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If application-level volume management software is used, then storage management is provided, but flexibility is limited and integration with other applications is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume management capabilityVSAvoidapplication integration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of storage processor software that runs on general-purpose operating systems. This intermediary provides volume management services while maintaining compatibility with standard application programming interfaces and operating system calls, enabling seamless integration with diverse applications without requiring application-level storage management software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of application-level volume management software with a system-level storage processing layer. Instead of requiring separate software applications to manage storage volumes, the storage processors provide volume management as a core system function through operating system drivers and kernel modules, enabling better integration and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If specialized Fibre Channel fabric equipment is used, then storage processing is enabled, but the equipment is rigid and cannot be reconfigured for other communication types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage processing capabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using general-purpose computer devices with standard network interfaces that can handle multiple communication protocols. The same hardware infrastructure supports Fibre Channel, Ethernet, and other communication types through software configuration, eliminating the need for specialized Fibre Channel fabric equipment while maintaining storage processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the communication protocol and interface parameters to be dynamically configured through software. The storage processors can change their communication parameters to adapt to different network types and protocols without requiring physical hardware changes, providing flexibility while maintaining high-performance storage processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8171098B1Techniques for providing storage services using networked computerized devices having direct attached storage

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method provides a storage service, and is performed on a set of computerized devices. The method includes connecting the computerized devices to a computer network. The computerized devices include direct attached storage devices (e.g., SCSI disk drives). The method further includes configuring the computerized devices to behave as hosts which individually and logically couple to an array of storage devices through a shared bus, and performing a host IO operation among the computerized devices. The host IO operation involves accessing data from a particular computerized device through the computer network to the direct attached storage devices of the computerized devices in lieu of accessing the data from the particular computerized device through an actual shared bus to an actual array of storage devices.