Peer Storage Messaging Over Control Bus for Data Backup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices in multi-device storage systems face challenges in offloading internal operation data without relying on host system communication, particularly during pre-host operations or in case of errors, leading to potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for peer storage device communication over a low-bandwidth control bus, enabling devices to establish peer communication, select and send internal operation data, and receive it from target peer devices, including features like peer sharing services, discovery, encryption, and recovery services to manage and backup data independently of host systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If storage devices use high-bandwidth peripheral interfaces (PCIe, SATA, SAS) for data transfer, then data transfer speed is improved, but the ability to communicate and share data independently without host intervention is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is segmented into two distinct channels: a high-bandwidth peripheral interface (PCIe, SATA, or SAS) for data transfer between host and storage devices, and a low-bandwidth control bus (I2C, I3C, or SMBus) for peer-to-peer communication between storage devices. This segmentation allows each interface to specialize in its intended function, enabling storage devices to communicate independently while maintaining high-speed data transfer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A control bus serves as an intermediary communication channel between storage devices, allowing them to exchange data and coordinates without requiring host system intervention. The control bus enables discovery, messaging, and data sharing among peer storage devices independently of the high-bandwidth data interface.
2Reliability
If storage devices rely on host system communication for offloading internal operation data, then communication reliability is maintained, but data loss occurs during pre-host operations or host failures
Solution Approach 1:
Storage devices perform preliminary actions by establishing peer communication and offloading internal operation data to peer devices before host system failures occur. The control bus enables devices to exchange data and coordinates in advance, ensuring data is preserved even when the host becomes unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating redundant copies of internal operation data on peer storage devices through the control bus. This protective measure ensures that if the host or a storage device fails, the data remains preserved on other peer devices, cushioning against potential data loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage devices establish peer communication over control bus, then independent data sharing is enabled, but communication bandwidth is limited to low-speed rates
Solution Approach 1:
Different communication qualities are assigned to different interfaces: the peripheral interface provides high-bandwidth data transfer for bulk operations, while the control bus provides low-bandwidth but always-available communication for control and coordination functions. Each interface optimizes for its specific purpose, allowing peer communication to succeed despite lower speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control bus transmits only essential control data and coordinates rather than full data sets, using partial action appropriate for the limited bandwidth. This selective communication approach enables peer-to-peer interaction to function effectively within the constraints of low-speed transmission.
4Extent of automation
If control bus is used for peer communication, then host intervention is eliminated, but communication bandwidth is restricted to 3-30 Mb/s
Solution Approach 1:
Communication functions are segmented between two interfaces: the peripheral interface handles high-throughput data transfer when the host is available, while the control bus handles automated peer-to-peer communication independently of the host. This segmentation enables host-independent operation for control functions while preserving high productivity for data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage devices use the control bus for self-service communication, discovering peers and exchanging control data without host intervention. This autonomous operation on the control bus compensates for the lower bandwidth by handling only essential coordination tasks that don't require high throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for peer storage device messaging over a control bus to offload and back up internal operation data are disclosed. Storage devices may include a host interface configured to connect to a host system and a control bus interface to connect to a control bus. Peer storage devices may establish peer communication through the control bus interface, select internal operation data, and send the internal operation data to other peer storage devices through the control bus. Responsive to a recovery event, peer storage devices may receive the offloaded internal operation data from another peer storage device.