Heterogeneous SSD Storage System Wear Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage systems with SSDs of different types and properties, data is often written without consideration for their unique service lives and bit costs, leading to premature expiration of SSDs with shorter write limits and increased operation management costs.
Innovation Solution
A storage system and method that allocates storage areas between SSDs with different write thresholds, relocating data from SSDs with higher write frequencies to those with longer write limits, and vice versa, to extend the service life and reduce operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is written to SSDs without consideration for their properties, then storage capacity is utilized, but the service life of SSDs with shorter write limits expires earlier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different data blocks to different SSD types based on their specific characteristics. High-endurance SSDs (SLC/MLC) are used for frequently written data blocks, while lower-endurance SSDs (TLC) are used for less frequently written data blocks. This ensures that each SSD operates within its endurance capabilities while maintaining overall system storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data relocation between different SSD types based on monitored write frequencies and remaining service life. The system continuously tracks write operations and automatically migrates data blocks between SSDs to balance wear and extend overall service life, transforming a static storage allocation into a dynamic adaptive system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is frequently written to SSDs with smaller upper limit number of writes, then storage flexibility is maintained, but the number of replacements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the storage system by introducing write frequency thresholds and service life monitoring. Based on these parameters, the system dynamically adjusts data allocation strategies, migrating data between SSDs when write frequencies exceed thresholds or when service life becomes imbalanced, thereby extending overall system service life while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring write frequencies and service life status of each SSD. This feedback information is used to make real-time decisions about data relocation, ensuring that SSDs with limited write endurance are protected from excessive writes while maintaining storage system flexibility and adaptability.
3Quantity of substance
If SSDs with different service lives are mixed, then storage cost is reduced, but operation management cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the storage system to automatically manage its own data allocation and relocation without external intervention. The system autonomously monitors SSD service life status, determines optimal data placement, and executes migrations between different SSD types, thereby reducing operation management complexity despite using mixed SSD configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal storage pool that integrates multiple SSD types (SLC, MLC, TLC) with different service life characteristics. The system provides unified data storage and management functionality across heterogeneous SSDs, allowing cost-effective mixed SSD deployment while automatically handling the complexity of managing different device types through a single management interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system and data control method capable of extending the service lifes of storage devices of the same type and with different properties and reducing operation management cost are proposed. The storage system includes: a first storage device; a second storage device with a smaller upper limit number of writes and a larger storage capacity per unit area than those of the first storage device; and a processor that allocates storage areas from the first storage device and the second storage device to a virtual volume to be provided to a host, wherein the processor relocates data which is stored in a storage area with higher write frequency from the host than a predetermined write threshold, from among the storage areas allocated from the second storage device to the virtual volume, from the storage area of the second storage device to a storage area of the first storage device.