Storage Controller Request Scheduler Throughput Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices face challenges in optimizing throughput for two-way communication with hosts, particularly in managing mixed workloads and varying request ratios, which affects the efficiency of data transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a controller that generates and orders requests, including first and second requests, based on their ratios and response frequencies to improve communication throughput, utilizing a request scheduler to adjust the sequence of requests dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If requests are processed in generation order, then processing simplicity is maintained, but communication throughput is reduced due to idle waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The request scheduler dynamically adjusts the processing order of requests based on real-time conditions such as response frequencies and workload characteristics. Instead of using a fixed generation order, the system adapts the request sequence to optimize throughput under varying operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor response frequencies from the host and use this information to adjust request ordering. The scheduler receives feedback about which requests generate responses and adjusts the processing sequence accordingly, enabling throughput optimization while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based decision making.
2Productivity
If the storage device sends multiple first requests consecutively, then read operations are improved, but the host cannot transmit data efficiently during waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The request scheduler dynamically adapts the mix of first and second requests based on the current workload type and host response patterns. For mixed workloads, it balances between sending first requests (for read operations) and second requests (allowing host data transmission), optimizing data transfer efficiency while maintaining flexibility to handle different workload scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of request sequencing by introducing a configurable ratio between first and second requests. This parameter adjustment allows the storage device to optimize for different scenarios: higher first request ratios for read-intensive workloads, and higher second request ratios for scenarios where host data transmission is critical, thereby achieving both efficiency and adaptability.
3Speed
If the storage device waits for host responses before sending next requests, then data accuracy is ensured, but communication speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for all host responses before sending subsequent requests, the system performs partial actions by sending requests based on expected response patterns and historical data. It sends requests in batches or ahead of time when reliability risks are minimal, achieving higher communication speed while maintaining acceptable data transfer reliability through risk-managed proactive scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a controller that is configured to perform two-way communication with a host. The controller generates a plurality of requests including first requests and second requests associated with the host. The controller orders the plurality of requests such that the plurality of requests include at least one first request and at least two consecutive second requests.