Object Addressable Storage Zone Mapping and Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In object addressable storage systems, determining the physical location of content units using object identifiers is challenging, especially when content units are stored across multiple zones, and managing changes in zone availability and capacity is complex, leading to inefficiencies in storage and retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mapping scheme that modifies object identifiers to redirect content units to available zones, uses intrinsic location techniques, and implements a two-phase commit process to synchronize mapping changes across distributed nodes, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval by adapting to changes in zone availability and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If object identifiers are used to identify content units in object addressable storage systems, then content units can be accessed independently of their physical location, but determining the physical location of content units stored across multiple zones becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a zone identifier as an intermediary between the object identifier and the physical storage location. The zone identifier is embedded within or derived from the object identifier and serves as a mediator that directs access requests to the correct zone without requiring the host to know the exact physical location. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining location independence while enabling efficient physical location determination through the intermediate zone identifier.
2Quantity of substance
If content units are distributed across multiple zones, then storage capacity and flexibility are improved, but managing changes in zone availability and capacity becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple zones, each with its own identifier and management characteristics. By dividing the storage system into manageable zones rather than treating it as a monolithic structure, the system can independently manage availability and capacity changes in each zone without affecting the entire system. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by enabling scalable storage capacity while simplifying management through modular zone-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic zone management where zone identifiers and mappings can be reassigned based on changing availability and capacity conditions. When zones become unavailable or new capacity is added, the system dynamically updates the mapping between object identifiers and zones without requiring system reconfiguration or downtime. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplified management procedures while adapting to changing storage conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mapping changes are implemented across distributed nodes, then system adaptability to zone changes is improved, but synchronization across nodes becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distributing zone mapping information to all nodes before changes are needed. When zone availability or capacity changes occur, the updated mappings are prepared in advance and then atomically applied across all nodes simultaneously. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid adaptation to zone changes while avoiding complex real-time synchronization during actual changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where nodes report their status and mapping information to a central coordinator or peer nodes. This feedback loop enables the system to detect zone changes, recalculate optimal mappings, and distribute updated mappings across all nodes. The feedback-driven approach resolves the contradiction by automating the adaptation process and simplifying synchronization through centralized or coordinated updates based on actual system state.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a technique for storing and/or locating content units stored on an object addressable storage (OAS) system, wherein each content unit is identified by an object identifier. The OAS system may comprise a plurality of zones, each of which stores content units. A mapping process may be defined that maps object identifiers for content units to zones on the OAS system. Thus, the storage location for a content unit on the OAS system may be the zone on the OAS system to which the object identifier for the content unit maps.