Storage System Data Copying via Dynamic Buffer Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RAID systems face inefficiencies in data copying when the number of control modules in the copy source apparatus exceeds those in the copy destination apparatus, leading to underutilization of buffer sets due to the collective transmission method, which does not effectively manage buffer allocation and availability.
Innovation Solution
The system determines vacant areas in the receiving buffer of the copy destination apparatus and transmits data from the copy source apparatus based on this information, allowing for dynamic allocation and effective use of buffer sets even when the number of control modules and buffers differ between the two apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collective transmission method is used to transmit data from the copy source apparatus to the copy destination apparatus, then the data transmission is simplified and control is easier, but the buffer sets cannot be effectively utilized when the number of control modules in the copy source apparatus exceeds those in the copy destination apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the data transmission process into individual buffer set units. Instead of transmitting all buffer sets collectively, the system divides and transmits buffer sets one by one or in smaller groups from the copy source apparatus to the copy destination apparatus. This segmentation allows the copy destination apparatus to receive and process buffer sets at its own pace, matching its smaller number of control modules while still utilizing all buffer sets from the copy source apparatus effectively.
2Device complexity
If the copy destination apparatus has fewer control modules and buffers than the copy source apparatus, then the system configuration is more compact and cost-effective, but the buffer sets from the copy source apparatus cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic buffer set transmission where the transmission pace and grouping are adjusted based on the actual capacity of the copy destination apparatus. The system dynamically adapts the transmission strategy to match the smaller number of control modules at the destination, allowing all buffer sets to be utilized without requiring the destination to have matching hardware capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact configuration and full buffer utilization.
3Productivity
If all buffer sets from the copy source apparatus are to be utilized effectively, then the data copying efficiency is maximized, but the copy destination apparatus requires an equal or larger number of control modules and buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a buffer set management intermediary layer that mediates between the copy source apparatus with multiple buffer sets and the copy destination apparatus with fewer control modules. This intermediary manages the mapping and transmission of buffer sets, allowing multiple buffer sets from the source to be processed through the fewer destination modules sequentially or in optimized groups, thereby achieving full buffer utilization without requiring proportional destination hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for copying data to another apparatus including a receiving buffer, includes: a transmitting buffer including a plurality of areas for temporary storing data of the copying; and a processor for executing a process, including: receiving information indicative of an instantaneous vacant area of the receiving buffer of the another apparatus, the vacant area being capable of temporarily storing data that could be transmitted from the transmitting buffer, determining an area of the transmitting buffer that stores data to be transmitted subsequently in reference to the information of the vacant area, and transmitting data stored in the determined area of the transmitting buffer to the receiving buffer of the another apparatus.