RAID Virtual Storage Allocation with Fine-Grained Unit Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage region allocation mechanisms in RAID systems are inflexible, leading to waste of storage resources due to large-granularity virtual storage units, which are inefficient for small data reads/writes.
Innovation Solution
Divide virtual storage regions into smaller storage allocation units and map virtual storage units to these units, allowing for more precise resource allocation and reducing the granularity of virtual storage units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual storage units are allocated based on large-granularity virtual storage regions in RAID systems, then data backup and recovery capabilities are provided, but storage resources are wasted due to inflexible allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual storage region into multiple storage allocation units, allowing virtual storage units to be allocated at a finer granularity. This segmentation enables more flexible resource allocation while maintaining data backup and recovery capabilities through RAID mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of virtual storage units to storage allocation units based on actual storage needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying storage requirements and avoid the waste associated with static, large-granularity allocation.
2Reliability
If virtual storage units are allocated in large granularity, then data backup is achieved, but allocation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the virtual storage region into multiple storage allocation units, the system achieves both data backup through RAID and improved allocation flexibility. Virtual storage units can be dynamically assigned to appropriate storage allocation units based on specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of allocation granularity by creating storage allocation units as an intermediate layer between virtual storage regions and physical disks. This additional layer enables more versatile and flexible allocation strategies.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional virtual storage unit allocation is used, then storage capacity is increased, but efficiency for small data reads/writes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of virtual storage regions into storage allocation units enables efficient handling of small data operations. Virtual storage units can be precisely allocated to match the actual size of data being stored, improving read/write efficiency for small files while maintaining overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the granularity parameter of storage allocation, allowing the system to optimize for different workload types. By adjusting the allocation unit size and mapping strategy, the system can efficiently handle both large and small data operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage technique involves determining one or more storage allocation units from a virtual storage region corresponding to a disk set including a plurality of disks. The technique further involves allocating a virtual storage unit to the one or more storage allocation units. The technique further involves storing a mapping relationship of the virtual storage unit with respect to the virtual storage region and the one or more storage allocation units. Accordingly, the granularity of each virtual storage unit can be reduced, so that storage resources can be invoked more accurately, and the storage space can be saved.