Remote Block Device Orchestration for Decentralized RAID 1 Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to reliance on centralized storage arrays, which require significant computing capacity, metadata, and proprietary protocols, leading to performance bottlenecks and maintenance challenges, especially when handling multiple workloads and remote replication.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized data storage system utilizing unexploited hardware resources, such as Direct Attached Storage (DAS), with an orchestrator to manage a control plane (CP) and data plane (DP) network, enabling flexible and efficient data management across multiple servers without the need for dedicated storage arrays, using standard protocols and existing OS components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized storage arrays are used to provide data storage and backup capabilities, then data storage capacity and redundancy are improved, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized storage array functionality into distributed storage capabilities across multiple servers. Each server maintains its own storage resources independently, eliminating the need for a centralized storage array while achieving the same redundancy goals through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the storage functionality from the centralized storage array and relocates it to the servers themselves. By taking out the storage capacity from dedicated storage hardware and placing it in existing server resources, the system eliminates complex storage array infrastructure while maintaining data storage and backup capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If dedicated storage arrays with proprietary protocols are deployed, then data storage capacity increases, but performance bottlenecks and maintenance challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes storage resources universal by enabling servers to perform both compute and storage functions simultaneously. Existing server hardware is utilized for storage purposes without requiring dedicated storage arrays, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and eliminate performance bottlenecks associated with proprietary storage protocols.
3Reliability
If extensive storage infrastructure is designated for storage array operations, then storage services reliability is improved, but cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables servers to self-manage their storage resources without requiring extensive external infrastructure. Each server independently manages its own storage capacity, eliminating the need for dedicated storage array controllers, metadata management systems, and other infrastructure components that would otherwise be required to ensure storage service reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data storage system and method comprising: at least two servers that comprise a RAID 1 storage volume and configured to run an operating system designated to host data accessible and exposable over a data plane (DP) network, wherein the servers are located remotely from each other, and wherein the RAID 1 is configured to be utilized for a remote replication procedure while connecting the two volumes of the at least two servers.