Storage Device Namespace Migration via Buffer Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems with semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies in data migration operations, particularly when managing namespaces across multiple storage devices, leading to complexities in data transfer and potential disruptions during namespace migration.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a first namespace in one storage device is migrated to a corresponding second namespace in another storage device, utilizing a pointer table to directly transmit data from a buffer memory to the target namespace without intermediate storage, ensuring seamless data migration and maintaining data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is migrated through the host device between storage devices, then data transfer can be performed, but processing time increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary component within the first storage device to temporarily hold data during migration. This buffer memory acts as a mediator that enables direct data transfer between storage devices without requiring the host device to process each data block, thereby reducing processing time and improving migration speed while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data migration process into distinct phases: data is first written to the buffer memory within the source storage device, then migrated to the target storage device. This segmentation allows the migration process to be independent of host device intervention, improving speed by allowing parallel operations and reducing the burden on the host device
2Productivity
If data is migrated while host device is accessing the namespace, then online migration is achieved, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by allocating and preparing the buffer memory before the migration process begins. The buffer memory is pre-configured with appropriate capacity and access protocols, allowing the migration to proceed smoothly without interrupting host device operations. This preliminary preparation ensures that data can be safely redirected to the buffer and then to the target namespace without corruption or loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where data is first copied to the buffer memory within the source storage device, then copied to the target storage device. This copying approach maintains data integrity by creating complete replicas at each stage, allowing the original namespace to remain accessible to the host device while the copy is being migrated, thus achieving both online migration and data reliability
3Quantity of substance
If buffer memory capacity is increased to handle large data migrations, then more data can be migrated, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer memory management where the buffer capacity and allocation are adjusted based on the actual migration needs. The buffer memory can be dynamically allocated from available storage resources and released after migration completes, allowing the system to handle large data migrations when needed without permanently increasing device complexity or cost. The buffer size adapts to the migration workload rather than being fixed at a high capacity
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of operating storage devices including a first storage device and a second storage device connected to each other via a host device, a data migration request for a first namespace included in the first storage device is received. A second namespace is generated in the second storage device. The second namespace corresponds to the first namespace. A pointer table that is used to perform a data migration operation corresponding to the data migration request is set. First data and second data are migrated to the second namespace based on the pointer table. The first data is stored in the first namespace. The second data is stored in a first buffer memory included in the first storage device and corresponds to the first namespace. Based on the data migration operation being performed, the second data is directly transmitted from the first buffer memory to the second namespace.