Hierarchical Data Center Storage Using Pseudo-SLC SSD Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of constructing a data center with a hierarchical and heterogeneous architecture due to the expense of suitable storage devices for specific hierarchical levels, which is a challenge in managing varying data access frequencies and importance effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical and heterogeneous data center using a solid-state drive (SSD) that operates in a full-disk pseudo-single-level-cell mode, with different groups of servers utilizing various storage media types based on data access frequencies, allowing for efficient storage and transfer of data across different storage media types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If suitable storage devices are used for specific hierarchical levels in a hierarchical and heterogeneous architecture, then data access efficiency is improved, but construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes SSDs perform multiple functions by operating them in different modes (SLC mode for hot data, MLC/TLC mode for cold data) within the same device. This allows a single type of storage device to serve multiple hierarchical levels, reducing the need for diverse expensive storage devices while maintaining access efficiency for different data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of SSDs by switching between SLC and MLC/TLC modes based on data access patterns. This parameter change allows the same physical storage device to adapt its performance characteristics, providing high-speed access for frequently accessed data while maintaining cost-effectiveness for less frequently accessed data.
2Speed
If high-performance storage devices are deployed across all hierarchical levels, then data access rate is improved, but storage capacity is reduced due to higher cost constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of storage performance to different data based on their access patterns. Hot data receives high-performance SLC-mode storage for fast access, while cold data is stored in MLC/TLC-mode for lower cost and higher capacity. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between access rate and storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into different operational modes (SLC and MLC/TLC) within the same SSD devices. This segmentation allows the system to allocate high-performance capacity to frequently accessed data while using high-capacity modes for less frequently accessed data, thereby increasing overall storage capacity while maintaining necessary access rates.
3Speed
If SSDs are operated in SLC mode for high performance, then data access speed is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SSD operational mode dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between SLC and MLC/TLC modes based on real-time data access patterns and requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the same physical storage capacity to effectively expand or contract based on performance needs, increasing overall usable storage capacity while maintaining high access speeds when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-cost, high-performance data center is shown, which is in a hierarchical and heterogeneous architecture. The data center includes at least three groups of servers, providing three kinds of storage media to store three types of data. The three groups of servers are connected to each other via a computer network. For data with medium access frequency, the corresponding group of servers use multi-level cell solid-state drives as the storage media, and these particular multi-level cell solid-state drives operate in a full-disk pseudo-single-level-cell mode.