Pseudo Multi-Write Device for Storage Network IO Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage networks, buffer writer processes often perform inefficient single block random writes due to unmergeable memory blocks, leading to increased operational load on the storage system.
Innovation Solution
A method to combine discrete IO write requests into a combined IO write request, which is processed through a pseudo multi-write device within the storage network, allowing for efficient data writing and potential reconstitution of original requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If buffer writer attempts to merge memory blocks to reduce write operations, then the number of write operations should decrease, but most memory blocks end up being unmergeable resulting in single block random writes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing memory blocks into mergeable groups before writing operations. The buffer writer process is enhanced to proactively identify and group memory blocks that can be merged, rather than attempting to merge them at write time. This preliminary organization reduces the complexity of the merge process and increases the likelihood of successful merges, thereby improving write operation efficiency without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If single block random writes are performed on backend storage system, then buffer space can be freed, but operational load on storage system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple discrete memory blocks into consolidated write operations. Instead of performing individual single block random writes to free buffer space, the enhanced buffer writer process merges adjacent or related memory blocks into larger contiguous write operations. This reduces the total number of write operations required to free buffer space, thereby decreasing operational load and energy consumption on the backend storage system while maintaining effective buffer space turnover.
3Productivity
If multiple discrete IO write requests are processed individually, then data integrity is maintained, but the number of write operations increases reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple discrete IO write requests into fewer combined write operations. The buffer writer process identifies adjacent memory blocks from different IO requests and merges them into single write operations to the backend storage system. This reduces the total number of write operations and the time required to complete data writing, while maintaining data integrity through proper ordering and acknowledgment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuous stream of merged write operations to the backend storage system. Instead of processing discrete IO requests with gaps between operations, the enhanced buffer writer process continuously identifies and merges memory blocks, creating an uninterrupted flow of write operations. This increases data writing efficiency and reduces overall write time while maintaining data integrity through systematic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for combining a plurality of discrete IO write requests to form a combined IO write request, wherein the plurality of IO write requests define data to be written to a storage network. The combined IO write request is provided to a pseudo multi-write device included within the storage network.