Software Defined Storage Defragmentation Node Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software defined storage (SDS) systems face performance degradation due to node dispersion over time, as nodes are added or removed, leading to fragmentation across different racks, rows, or data centers, which affects storage efficiency and network operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a defragmentation module that reorganizes SDS nodes by relocating them to be physically or virtually consolidated on the same rack, row, or data center, using a migration process that de-provisions and re-provisions nodes to ensure proximity and optimal resource utilization, while maintaining data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If nodes are added to SDS system over time to meet storage requirements, then storage capacity is improved, but node dispersion and fragmentation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidnode organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The defragmentation module proactively reorganizes nodes before performance degradation becomes severe. By continuously monitoring node distribution and initiating defragmentation operations when dispersion thresholds are detected, the system maintains optimal node organization despite ongoing expansions and modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic defragmentation that adapts to changing storage requirements and workload patterns. The defragmentation module can operate during different time periods (online, offline, or during maintenance windows) and adjusts its behavior based on system state, allowing continuous optimization without disrupting storage capacity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes are dispersed across different racks and data centers, then system scalability is improved, but performance and access efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoiddata access speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The defragmentation module creates local optimization zones by grouping nodes serving the same SDS system together on the same rack or in close proximity. This local clustering ensures that frequently accessed data remains physically close, improving access speed for common operations while still allowing the overall system to scale across multiple racks and data centers when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system resolves the scalability-performance contradiction by operating on multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously. Within each local cluster (same rack), nodes are densely grouped for high-speed access. Across multiple racks and data centers, the system maintains scalability through distributed architecture. The defragmentation module manages this multi-dimensional organization, ensuring optimal performance at the local level while preserving global scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If defragmentation reorganizes nodes to be closer together, then storage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidreorganization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The defragmentation module autonomously performs node reorganization without requiring complex external coordination. It independently identifies fragmented nodes, determines optimal target locations, executes migration operations, and verifies successful consolidation. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system architecture by embedding the complexity within a dedicated module rather than requiring complex integration across multiple system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The defragmentation module acts as an intermediary between the scattered nodes and the storage management system. It abstracts the complexity of node reorganization by providing a unified interface that handles all defragmentation operations, isolating the reorganization logic from other system components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10938900B1Software defined storage defragmentation
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10938900B1 patent drawing
  • US10938900B1 patent drawing
  • US10938900B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Defragmenting a software defined storage (SDS) system. To defragment an SDS system, the nodes associated with the SDS system are all moved to as to be close in terms of location. This may include de-provisioning nodes, provisioning nodes, and moving nodes as necessary. Multiple SDS systems can be defragmented at the same time.