Unified Storage Manager for RAID Address Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems based on RAID architecture face complexity in managing user data and control data, requiring separate managers and fixed storage allocations, which limits flexibility and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for managing a storage system using a client/server architecture, where a RAID server manages address mappings between storage spaces and users, allowing dynamic allocation of storage spaces and unified management of user data and control data, eliminating the need for separate managers and enabling flexible storage allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate managers are used for user data and control data in RAID architecture, then data management reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of user data and control data into a single manager component, eliminating the need for separate managers while maintaining data integrity through unified address mapping. This reduces system complexity while preserving reliability through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single manager is designed to handle multiple functions including managing both user data and control data, creating address mappings for different data types, and coordinating reconstruction operations. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized managers, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive data management capability.
2Speed
If fixed storage space allocation is used in RAID architecture, then data access speed is improved, but storage flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage space allocation where the manager can assign and reassign storage spaces to different users and data types based on current system state and requirements. The address mapping structure allows flexible mapping of logical storage spaces to physical locations without fixed pre-allocation, enabling both fast access through direct mapping and flexibility through dynamic reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of storage allocation from fixed to dynamic by allowing the manager to modify address mappings and storage space assignments based on varying system requirements. This enables the storage system to adapt to different workload conditions while maintaining efficient access patterns.
3Device complexity
If unified management approach is used for user data and control data, then system complexity is reduced, but data access efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
While using a unified manager, the patent segments the management approach by maintaining separate address mapping structures for user data and control data. This allows the single manager to handle different data types with appropriate specialized handling, reducing complexity while preserving access efficiency through targeted management strategies for each data type.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique manages a computing system based on a client/server architecture. In particular, an address mapping of a storage system is managed. The address mapping includes an association between storage spaces in a plurality of storage devices in the storage system and a user of the storage system. A data access service is provided to a client associated with the user based on the address mapping. The client includes at least any one of a user data client for accessing user data associated with the user in the storage system and a control data client for accessing control data associated with the user. Based on a client/server architecture, a uniform management mode is provided for user data and control data, so that the storage system is managed more simply and effectively.