RDMA Storage Control Module Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage systems face inefficiencies in data communication and synchronization due to the limitations of PCIe buses, which restrict remote data mirroring and require multiple network interfaces, making them unsuitable for unified network access and long-distance connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network enabled with Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) to unify data communication within the storage system, allowing direct memory access between storage control modules and host devices, thereby enabling efficient data reading and writing and remote data mirroring at low latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If PCIe bus is used for data communication between storage control modules, then data transmission rate can be improved, but device complexity increases and remote data mirroring is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single network interface card to perform multiple functions: both data communication with host devices and data synchronization between storage control modules. This eliminates the need for separate PCIe interfaces for mirroring, reducing device complexity while maintaining high-speed communication capabilities through the unified network interface.
2Speed
If PCIe bus is used for data communication, then data transmission rate is improved, but adaptability to long-distance connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card is designed to handle both local high-speed communication and remote long-distance connections through the same interface. The RDMA capability enables the network interface to maintain high data transmission rates even over long distances, making the system adaptable to both local and remote storage scenarios without requiring different hardware interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network interfaces are used for unified data communication, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single network interface card that can adapt to different communication scenarios including host device communication, inter-module data synchronization, and remote mirroring. This multi-functional design provides the adaptability of multiple interfaces while maintaining the simplicity of a single physical device, reducing overall system complexity.
4Speed
If PCIe interface is dedicated for data mirroring, then data synchronization speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card is configured to handle data synchronization between storage control modules directly, achieving high-speed data mirroring without requiring a dedicated PCIe interface. The RDMA capability allows the network interface to provide synchronization speeds comparable to PCIe while using the same hardware resource for multiple purposes, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system and a method for storage control comprises a host device and a switch, and the switch supports remote direct memory access (RDMA). The storage system further comprises a first and second storage control modules, the first storage control module includes a first cache and the second storage control module includes a second cache. The host device, the first and second storage control modules are interconnected via the switch, and the first storage control module is capable of synchronizing the cached data with the second storage control module via the switch. The storage system further comprises a storage array connected to the first and second storage control modules.