Storage Control Device Cache Block Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage devices, the cache area blocks associated with logical volumes often become exhausted due to inefficient allocation, leading to increased waiting times and deteriorated access performance, especially when access destinations span multiple unit areas.
Innovation Solution
A storage control device that determines whether the number of blocks in the cache area can be reduced by changing the position of data within the logical volume based on access information, reallocating blocks to optimize cache usage and prevent exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cache area blocks are allocated for each unit area in the logical volume, then access performance is improved, but the number of blocks in the cache area increases leading to exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unit areas that span division positions into a single CBE management unit. Instead of allocating separate blocks for each unit area, the system combines adjacent unit areas into one logical unit that shares cache blocks, thereby reducing the total number of blocks required while maintaining access performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes cache blocks universal by allowing a single block to serve multiple unit areas simultaneously. The CBE structure enables one cache block to be shared across multiple unit areas that are combined, making the cache resource multi-functional and reducing overall block consumption.
2Measurement precision
If CBE is allocated for each unit area including access destination, then access accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by merging the management of multiple unit areas into a single CBE. Instead of tracking separate CBEs for each unit area, the system uses one CBE to manage a group of combined unit areas, simplifying the allocation and tracking mechanism while preserving precise access control.
3Quantity of substance
If data position is changed to reduce cache blocks, then cache resource efficiency is improved, but data movement overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs data repositioning and CBE combination in advance, during low-access periods or as part of background maintenance operations. By proactively optimizing the data layout and merging unit areas before access patterns cause cache exhaustion, the system reduces the need for frequent, time-critical data movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage control device includes a processor configured to receive access information indicating a start position and an end position of an access area in a first volume. The processor is configured to determine, based on one or more pieces of the received access information, whether a number of blocks in a cache area is reduced as a whole by changing a position of data in the first volume. The blocks are used in response to an access to the access area and correspond to one or more unit areas in the first volume. The one or more unit areas include the access area. The processor is configured to change the position of the data in the first volume upon determining that the number of the blocks in the cache area is reduced as a whole by changing the position of the data in the first volume.