Runtime Namespace Correction for Persistent Memory Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems (IHS) face performance risks due to unpredictable behavior caused by incomplete namespaces in non-volatile dual inline memory modules (NVDIMMs, which can occur at runtime and are difficult to correct without manual hot plugging, especially when a faulty or missing module is part of an interleave set or block mode namespace configuration.
Innovation Solution
A namespace correction agent is executed by the processor to monitor persistent memory modules, identify incomplete namespaces, access memory details to determine the faulty or missing module, correct the physical label address, and reenumerate the memory, allowing the system to dynamically correct and reuse the memory without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hot plugging is used to correct incomplete namespace, then namespace can be corrected, but system operation is interrupted and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an agent that automatically detects incomplete namespaces and performs correction operations without requiring manual hot plugging. The agent monitors namespace status, identifies incomplete configurations, and executes repair actions autonomously, allowing the system to self-correct namespace issues while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The agent performs preliminary detection and correction of incomplete namespaces before they can cause system failures or performance degradation. By proactively identifying and repairing namespace issues during normal operation, the system prevents problems from escalating and avoids the need for interruptive manual hot plugging operations.
2Productivity
If runtime correction is implemented, then system operation continues without interruption, but complexity of the correction mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an agent as an intermediary component that sits between the namespace management system and the physical memory hardware. This agent abstracts the complexity of runtime namespace correction, providing a simplified interface for detection and repair operations while handling the intricate details of namespace reconfiguration and hardware interaction in the background.
3Ease of operation
If incomplete namespace is left uncorrected, then system operation continues, but unpredictable behavior and performance risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The agent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors namespace status and detects incomplete configurations. When an incomplete namespace is detected, the agent triggers automatic correction operations and verifies the repair outcome. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that namespace issues are identified and resolved promptly, maintaining both system continuity and performance predictability.
Data Source
AI summary
An Information Handling System (IHS) includes one or more persistent memory devices coupled to a processor and system memory. During runtime, a namespace correction agent monitors the persistent modules whose full physical address space are configured as block mode and/or interleave set namespace. The namespace correction agent identifies an incomplete namespace trigger that is detected by a driver and caused by one of a faulty or missing persistent memory module. In response to identifying the incomplete namespace trigger, the namespace correction agent: access memory details identifying a corresponding faulty or missing persistent module to determine a physical label address corresponding to the incomplete namespace; corrects the physical label address corresponding to the incomplete namespace; and reenumerates the relabeled memory.