PCIe Fabric Isolation for Dense Redundant Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked storage systems face physical limitations in density and capacity, particularly in high-density installations, due to constraints in storage technology and space requirements, which hinder the ability to meet increasing data storage and retrieval needs in cloud and enterprise environments.
Innovation Solution
A scalable storage system architecture utilizing PCIe switch circuitry for logical isolation between modules, enabling efficient power distribution and redundancy through holdup circuitry, allowing for self-powering and redistribution of power among modules during interruptions, and facilitating high-density, redundant data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the density of networked storage systems and remote computing systems is increased to meet growing data storage needs, then storage capacity and data retrieval capability are improved, but physical space limitations and environmental climate control requirements are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own processor and PCIe interface. These modules can be densely packed in rack-mounted environments while maintaining individual operational independence, thereby increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing physical space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal expansion to vertical rack-mounted deployment. By utilizing the vertical dimension and implementing high-density rack mounting configurations, the system achieves significantly higher storage capacity per unit of floor space, effectively resolving the space constraint issue.
2Reliability
If more devices are included per host to increase storage capacity and redundancy, then reliability and redundancy are improved, but the number of devices that can be included per host is limited by physical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is designed as a universal building block that can serve multiple functions - storage, processing, and networking. The standardized PCIe interfaces and modular architecture allow the same hardware configuration to be replicated across multiple modules, achieving redundancy and reliability without increasing the complexity of individual device designs.
3Reliability
If PCIe switch circuitry is used to establish logical isolation between modules, then system reliability and fault containment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
PCIe switch circuitry serves as an intermediary component that manages communication between modules while providing logical isolation. This mediator enables fault containment by preventing errors in one module from propagating to others, while the standardized PCIe protocol keeps the added complexity manageable and reusable across multiple modules.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and software for computing systems are provided herein. In one example, a system includes a plurality of first modules each having a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface and a processor, and a plurality of second modules each having a PCIe interface. PCIe switch circuitry is coupled to the PCIe interfaces of the first modules and the PCIe interfaces of the second modules, wherein the PCIe switch circuitry is configured to establish logical isolation in the PCIe switch circuitry between one or more first modules and one or more second modules. At least one processor instantiates access to the one or more second modules for the one or more first modules over at least the logical isolation in the PCIe switch circuitry.