Storage System Extension via Heterogeneous Stripe Widths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in extending storage capacity without disrupting normal data storage services, as shuffle operations to balance load across new and existing devices can be time-consuming, and adding a large number of devices at once is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method that adds a fewer number of storage devices to create a new storage resource pool with a different RAID standard, allowing immediate use of new storage space without a shuffle operation, and using additional parity data to ensure data reliability and reduce downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If storage devices are added to extend storage capacity, then storage space is increased, but shuffle operation time increases and affects system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple resource pools (first resource pool with first storage devices, second resource pool with second storage devices). By segmenting the storage system, new storage devices can be added to the second resource pool without triggering a system-wide shuffle operation, thus extending storage capacity while minimizing performance impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the shuffle operation requirement from the storage extension process. By allowing the second resource pool to operate independently with its own stripe width, the patent eliminates the need to perform shuffle operations when adding storage devices, thereby avoiding performance degradation during extension.
2Volume of stationary object
If storage devices are added to extend storage capacity, then storage space is increased, but system performance deteriorates due to shuffle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into independent resource pools that can operate autonomously. The second resource pool with newly added storage devices uses a different stripe width and does not require coordination with the first resource pool, eliminating performance degradation during storage extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of the second resource pool with its own stripe width before any data migration or shuffle operation. This preliminary setup allows the new storage devices to be immediately integrated into the storage system without affecting the performance of existing operations in the first resource pool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different stripe widths are used in different resource pools, then storage extension flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage system architecture that can accommodate multiple resource pools with different stripe widths. The storage system is designed to handle heterogeneous resource pools uniformly, allowing flexible storage extension while managing complexity through a standardized multi-resource-pool interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique extends a storage system that includes a first storage resource pool that is generated using a first plurality of storage devices and based on a first storage array standard. Such a technique involves: adding a second plurality of storage devices to the storage system in response to receiving a request to extend the storage system, the number of the second plurality of storage devices being less than the sum of a first stripe width associated with the first storage array standard and the number of backup storage devices in the first storage resource pool; and creating a second storage resource pool using the second plurality of storage devices and based on a second storage array standard, a second stripe width associated with the second storage array standard being less than the first stripe width. Accordingly, storage space can be extended faster and more effectively.