Shared Local Storage Access for Multi-Host Cloud Content Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud gaming services face inefficiencies in storage resource utilization due to processor saturation, leading to underutilization of local storage devices despite available bandwidth and capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared local storage device accessible via multiple ports, allowing concurrent access and utilization by multiple hosted devices, with a data manager to control access and concurrency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each hosted device has dedicated local storage, then access speed and reliability are improved, but storage resource utilization deteriorates due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated storage devices into a single shared storage device that can be accessed by multiple hosted devices simultaneously. The storage device includes multiple ports (first port, second port, etc.) where each port can connect to different hosted devices, enabling consolidation of storage resources while maintaining reliable access through controlled concurrent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared storage device is designed with universal accessibility through multiple ports, allowing any hosted device connected to any port to access the storage device. This multi-functional design enables a single storage device to serve multiple devices with different roles and requirements, improving overall resource utilization while maintaining reliable access through proper concurrency management.
2Productivity
If a single shared storage device is used by multiple hosted devices, then storage resource utilization is improved, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data manager as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple hosted devices and the shared storage device. The data manager handles access control, coordinates concurrent operations, and manages the complexity of multiple devices accessing a single storage device through standardized interfaces at different ports, thereby reducing the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is segmented into multiple independent ports (first port, second port, etc.), each capable of connecting to different hosted devices. This segmentation allows independent access paths for each device while sharing the common storage resource, enabling simplified access control where each port manages its own connection state and data manager coordinates the shared access.
3Productivity
If multiple hosted devices access the storage device concurrently, then storage utilization efficiency is improved, but data consistency and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data manager implements feedback mechanisms to track the operational state of each hosted device and the storage device. It monitors access patterns, detects conflicts, and coordinates operations to maintain data consistency. The feedback loop ensures that concurrent accesses are properly managed and that data integrity is preserved despite simultaneous operations from multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages concurrent access by adjusting the state and behavior of data managers and storage operations based on real-time conditions. The data manager can dynamically allocate access rights, manage buffering states, and coordinate write operations to ensure data consistency while maximizing storage utilization efficiency under varying load conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A content provider system includes: a repository (204) to store a catalog of content; a storage device (214) including at least a first port (220) and a second port (222); a first hosted device (210) connected to the first port (220) over a first storage interface (224) for access to the storage device (214), and to execute content stored in the storage device (214) to provide the content to a first user device (104, 106); a second hosted device (212) connected to the second port (222) over a second storage interface (224) for access to the storage device (214), and to execute the content stored in the storage device (214) to provide the content to a second user device (104, 106); and one or more processing circuits to control access to the storage device (214) from the first and second ports (220, 222) by the first and second hosted devices (210, 212).