Storage Compute Appliance Internal Authentication and Adaptive Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices in shared environments rely on external authentication servers for user authentication and resource allocation, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential overutilization of storage capacity by individual users, compromising the balance of resource distribution among multiple authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device configured as a storage compute appliance with internal authentication capabilities, utilizing a non-volatile memory and a controller circuit to authenticate users and allocate storage capacity without an external server, employing adaptive allocation models based on access history to ensure efficient and balanced resource distribution among multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external authentication servers are used for user authentication and resource allocation, then centralized security management is achieved, but system efficiency decreases and storage capacity may be overutilized by individual users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication and resource allocation functions from external servers and implements them locally within the storage device. The controller circuit performs user authentication and allocates storage capacity directly, eliminating the need for external authentication servers and improving system efficiency while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device authenticates users and allocates resources autonomously without external assistance. The controller circuit verifies user credentials and manages storage capacity allocation internally, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating dependencies on external authentication infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If fixed storage allocation is used among multiple users, then resource distribution is simple to manage, but storage utilization efficiency decreases when user needs vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation where the controller circuit adjusts the capacity assigned to each user based on their access history and usage patterns. This dynamic adjustment optimizes storage utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable resource distribution through automated policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors user access history and uses this feedback to automatically adjust storage allocations. The controller circuit tracks usage patterns and reallocates capacity accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes storage distribution based on actual user needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual users can access entire storage capacity, then user flexibility is maximized, but resource balance among multiple users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total storage capacity into separate allocated portions for each user. The controller circuit divides the storage device into multiple distinct capacity portions, assigning specific segments to individual users based on their authentication and usage patterns, thereby maintaining resource balance while providing flexible access within allocated boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for managing data in a data storage device configured as a storage compute appliance. In some embodiments, the data storage device has a controller circuit and a non-volatile memory (NVM) with an overall data storage capacity. A processor authenticates each of a plurality of authorized users of the NVM via data exchanges between a host device and the processor without reference to an external authentication authority device. Upon authentication, each authorized user is allocated a separate portion of the overall data storage capacity of the NVM using an allocation model. The size of at least one of the separate portions is subsequently adjusted based on an access history of the NVM. The storage device may be a key-value storage device so that a separate set of key values is provided to each authorized user to identify data blocks stored to and retrieved from the NVM.