Storage Control Buffer Set Management for Data Filling Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sequence-guaranteed remote copying, the increased number of buffers in storage apparatuses leads to variations in data filling rates, reducing efficiency due to uneven data distribution across buffer sets, especially when the filling rate of one buffer exceeds a threshold.
Innovation Solution
A storage control apparatus that dynamically manages buffer sets by determining the storage location of copy target data based on configuration information, allowing data to be stored in specific transmission buffers within the apparatus, thereby arbitrarily setting the size of buffer sets to maintain optimal data filling rates and prevent storage capacity issues in both the source and destination storage apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of buffers is increased to handle larger data capacity, then the data filling rate varies between buffers, but the storage capacity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer management by introducing a buffer set concept that groups multiple buffers together. Each buffer set is managed as a unified unit with a predetermined size, allowing the system to handle varying buffer capacities while maintaining consistent data transfer efficiency. The buffer set includes a head buffer and other buffers, with data being filled according to a round-robin scheme across the set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the management parameter from individual buffer control to buffer set-level control. By managing buffers in sets with predetermined sizes and using round-robin filling across the set, the system maintains optimal data filling rates even when the total number of buffers increases. This parameter change allows scalable buffer management without sacrificing efficiency.
2Reliability
If data is transferred in units of buffer sets when filling rate exceeds threshold, then sequence guarantee is maintained, but data filling rate on per buffer set basis is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic buffer set management where the system continuously monitors the data filling rate of buffer sets and dynamically determines when to trigger data transfer. Instead of using a fixed threshold that may be too conservative, the system adapts the transfer timing based on actual buffer set filling conditions, maintaining sequence guarantees while maximizing data filling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining buffer sets in a ready state for data transfer. The round-robin filling mechanism keeps all buffers in the set actively participating in data reception, and the continuous monitoring of filling rates ensures that transfer operations are triggered at optimal moments, preventing idle time and maintaining high productivity while preserving sequence integrity.
3Productivity
If the number of controller modules is increased to process larger data amounts, then data processing capacity is improved, but variation in data filling rate between buffers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal buffer set management mechanism that works consistently across multiple controller modules. The round-robin filling scheme and buffer set structure provide a unified approach that can be applied regardless of the number of controller modules, ensuring uniform data filling rates across all buffers even as the system scales to handle larger data amounts with additional controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit determines a storage location of copy target data managed by a first controller module, based on configuration information. When a first transmission buffer included in the first controller module is the storage location of the copy target data, the control unit stores the copy target data in the first transmission buffer. When a second transmission buffer different from the first transmission buffer is the storage location of the copy target data, the control unit stores the copy target data in the second transmission buffer via a corresponding second controller module.