Reconfigurable Multi-Tier Storage Units for Scalable Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face challenges in data access performance and scalability, particularly in information processing systems with multiple compute nodes, despite advancements in storage tiering and object stores.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable multi-tier storage system utilizing replicated storage units that can be repurposed between different configurations, implementing burst buffer appliances, software-defined storage pools, scale-out NAS clusters, and object stores under software control, thereby optimizing storage deployment costs and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If storage systems use multiple storage tiers with different IO performance levels, then data access performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing storage units that can function across multiple storage tiers (fast tier and capacity tier) depending on configuration. The same physical storage units can be repurposed between different tiers through software reconfiguration, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each tier and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through reconfigurable storage units that can dynamically change their tier assignment and operational mode. The storage system allows units to be moved between fast tier and capacity tier configurations based on workload demands, enabling adaptive performance optimization without permanent structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage systems are designed for high scalability to support large numbers of compute nodes, then system capacity is improved, but data access performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage system into reconfigurable units that can be independently assigned to fast tier or capacity tier. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding modular units while maintaining performance through intelligent assignment of segments to appropriate tiers based on access patterns and workload requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the storage system to adapt its architecture as it scales. New storage units can be dynamically integrated and assigned to appropriate tiers, and existing units can be moved between tiers to maintain optimal performance as the system grows to support larger numbers of compute nodes.
3Ease of manufacture
If replicated storage units are reconfigured between different storage tiers, then storage deployment costs are reduced, but reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces deployment costs by designing universal storage units that can serve multiple tier functions. Instead of purchasing and deploying different hardware for fast tier and capacity tier, the same replicated units can be software-configured for different roles, significantly reducing hardware acquisition and deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software copying and configuration templates to manage reconfiguration. Rather than complex manual reconfiguration processes, standardized software images and configuration profiles can be copied and applied to storage units to transition them between tiers, simplifying the reconfiguration process and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a reconfigurable multi-tier storage system having at least a front-end storage tier and a back-end storage tier. The multi-tier storage system is implemented at least in part utilizing a plurality of replicated storage units. One or more of the replicated storage units are each utilized in a first configuration of the reconfigurable multi-tier storage system to implement a portion of at least one of a burst buffer appliance and a software-defined storage pool of the front-end storage tier. At least one of the one or more replicated storage units is utilized in a second configuration of the reconfigurable multi-tier storage system to implement a portion of at least one of a scale-out network-attached storage cluster and an object store of the back-end storage tier. A given one of the replicated storage units may be reconfigured by rebooting it using different software modules.