Interconnected SSD Paths for Host-Free Peer Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems require host involvement for data movement between solid-state disks (SSDs), leading to increased latency and bandwidth consumption, which is inefficient for applications that need internal peer-to-peer connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage system with inter-SSD paths that allow direct peer-to-peer communication among SSDs, using a routing table to facilitate data movement without host intervention, and providing each SSD with multiple interfaces for host and peer connections, enabling efficient data transfer within the storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If host involvement is used for data movement between SSDs, then data transfer can be achieved, but latency increases and bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary peer-to-peer communication path between SSDs that bypasses the host system. This intermediary path allows direct data movement between storage devices without requiring host intervention, thereby reducing latency while maintaining reliable data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transfer path into two independent channels: host-mediated transfers for certain operations and direct peer-to-peer transfers for others. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed by using the direct path when possible, reducing latency for time-sensitive operations.
2Reliability
If host involvement is used for data movement between SSDs, then data transfer can be achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peer-to-peer communication path acts as an intermediary that enables data movement without consuming host system bandwidth. This separate communication channel offloads traffic from the host, reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable data transfer between SSDs.
3Loss of time
If inter-SSD paths are implemented, then latency is reduced and bandwidth consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional SSD interfaces that can operate in multiple modes: host-mediated communication and direct peer-to-peer communication. This universality allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both communication paths, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided for each SSD, then peer-to-peer communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SSD interfaces are designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same interface hardware to handle both host communication and peer-to-peer communication protocols. This approach enables versatile communication capabilities while avoiding the need for completely separate interface circuits, thereby controlling device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a semiconductor package apparatus may include technology to provide a first interface between a first storage device and a host device, and provide a second interface directly between the first storage device and a second storage device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.