SCSI Referral Mechanism for Block Storage Cluster Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for block storage clustering do not provide the desired level of performance, often requiring additional components and reconfiguration, which can lead to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method for communication between an initiator system and a block storage cluster using SCSI referrals, where a first storage system receives a command, transfers data if stored, and sends a referral response to the initiator if data is stored elsewhere in the cluster, providing information to direct the initiator to the correct storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current block storage clustering systems are used, then storage capacity is provided, but performance level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage cluster into multiple storage systems, each capable of independently handling I/O requests. The referral mechanism divides the data access task across different storage systems based on data location, allowing parallel processing and improving overall performance while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The referral response acts as an intermediary mechanism between the initiator and the actual data storage location. When a storage system receives a referral, it mediates the I/O request by redirecting it to the appropriate storage system within the cluster, enabling efficient data access without compromising storage capacity.
2Productivity
If additional components are added to improve performance, then performance may improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The referral mechanism is implemented within the existing SCSI protocol framework, allowing standard storage systems to perform multiple functions including data storage, I/O request handling, and automatic referral to other cluster members. This eliminates the need for specialized components while improving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage systems automatically generate and process referrals without external intervention. When data is not found locally, the storage system autonomously issues a referral response containing the location information, enabling self-service data retrieval without requiring complex external coordination or additional control components.
3Productivity
If reconfiguration is performed to enhance performance, then performance may improve, but implementation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the routing parameter (data location) based on the referral information received. Instead of reconfiguring the physical storage architecture, the system modifies the logical path parameters by updating the target storage system identifier in the referral response, enabling performance improvement through parameter adjustment rather than physical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The method includes receiving a command at a first storage system of a block storage cluster. The command is transmitted by the initiator system to the first storage system via a network and includes a request for data. The method further includes transferring the stored data from the first storage system to the initiator system via the network when data requested in the data request is stored by the first storage system. The method further includes transmitting a referral response from the first storage system to the initiator system when a portion of the data requested in the data request is not stored by the first storage system, but is stored by a second storage. system of the block storage cluster.