Per-Service Storage of Filesystem Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing attributes in separate hidden volumes for each data storage object and layered service combination leads to an excessive proliferation of storage volumes, overwhelming data storage systems and being inefficient, especially when only a small amount of attribute data is stored.
Innovation Solution
Maintaining a separate hidden volume for each layered service and using a first data structure to organize data storage objects, with attributes stored in a separate data structure within that volume, such as B+ trees, to reduce the number of hidden volumes needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hidden volume is created for each data storage object and layered service combination, then attributes can be stored for each specific combination, but the number of storage volumes proliferates excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage of attributes for multiple data storage objects operated on by the same layered service into a single hidden volume. Instead of creating separate hidden volumes for each object-service combination, one hidden volume stores attributes for all objects that a particular layered service operates on, significantly reducing the total number of hidden volumes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden volume is designed to serve multiple purposes: it stores attributes for all data storage objects operated on by a specific layered service. This multi-functional approach allows a single hidden volume to replace what would otherwise require multiple dedicated volumes, reducing system complexity while maintaining full attribute storage capability.
2Reliability
If an entire storage volume is maintained for each data storage object, then attributes can be stored, but storage efficiency is reduced due to the small amount of attribute data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines attribute storage for multiple data storage objects into a single hidden volume per layered service. Since attribute data is typically small compared to the data storage objects themselves, consolidating these attributes into shared hidden volumes eliminates the waste of allocating entire volumes for minimal attribute data, thereby significantly improving storage space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 500,000 hidden volumes are created to store layered service attributes for 10,000 user volumes and 50 layered services, then each service can store attributes, but the system becomes overwhelmed and maintenance becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates 500,000 potential hidden volumes into approximately 50 hidden volumes by grouping attributes according to layered service. Each hidden volume stores attributes for all data storage objects operated on by one layered service, reducing the maintenance burden from 500,000 volumes to 50 volumes while preserving the ability to store and manage attributes for all service-object combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a data storage apparatus of maintaining filesystem object attributes in connection with a plurality of drivers is provided. Each driver of the plurality is configured to operate on a respective set of filesystem objects. The method includes (a) for each driver of the plurality, creating a respective driver-specific storage volume; (b) storing, within each driver-specific storage volume, attributes specific to respective filesystem objects operated on by the driver of that driver-specific storage volume; and (c) while operating a particular driver of the plurality on a particular filesystem object, using values of the stored attributes specific to that particular filesystem object operated on by that particular driver. An apparatus, system, and computer program product for performing a similar method are also provided.