Storage Hierarchy Control via Multi-Cycle Access Frequency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage apparatuses with hierarchy control functions face issues where data with temporarily high access frequencies occupy high-performance storage areas, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential performance degradation, and struggle to handle immediate increases in I/O counts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus that measures access frequencies across multiple cycles to determine the appropriate storage hierarchy for data placement, allowing for dynamic relocation of data to optimize storage usage without manual intervention, using a hierarchy determination unit and relocation unit to adjust storage hierarchies based on measured access patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If access frequency is measured for each one given period of time and relocation destination is determined based only on the measured access frequency, then the storage hierarchy control is simplified, but data with temporarily high access frequency occupies high-performance storage areas leading to inefficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, single-cycle access frequency measurement to a dynamic multi-cycle measurement approach. The system now measures access frequency across multiple measurement cycles and uses trends over time rather than instantaneous values, allowing the storage hierarchy control to adapt dynamically to changing access patterns while avoiding premature relocation decisions based on temporary spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing access frequency measurements over multiple measurement cycles before making relocation decisions. This preliminary multi-cycle observation period allows the system to establish baseline access patterns and distinguish between temporary and sustained high-frequency access, ensuring that relocation actions are taken only when appropriate based on sustained performance metrics.
2Speed
If data with high access frequency is relocated to high-performance storage area, then access speed is improved, but high-performance storage area capacity is consumed and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the decision-making parameters for relocation from single-cycle access frequency to multi-cycle access frequency trends. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain access speed improvements for genuinely hot data while using the extended measurement parameter to filter out temporary access spikes, thereby preserving high-performance storage capacity for data that truly requires it.
3Productivity
If multiple measurement cycles are used to determine storage hierarchy, then storage resource utilization is optimized, but measurement and determination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using regular, periodic measurement cycles to collect access frequency data. Instead of continuous monitoring or one-time measurements, the system performs measurements at periodic intervals across multiple cycles, then aggregates this periodic data to make relocation decisions. This periodic approach balances thorough measurement with time efficiency by establishing predictable measurement intervals.
4Reliability
If high-performance storage area is occupied by temporarily high-frequency data, then system operation load increases due to maintenance and performance investigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a feedback mechanism that monitors access frequency trends across multiple measurement cycles and uses this feedback to make informed relocation decisions. The system continuously gathers feedback on actual access patterns, compares this feedback against relocation criteria, and adjusts storage hierarchy assignments accordingly, thereby reducing false positives and minimizing unnecessary maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a storage apparatus and a hierarchy control method capable of reducing the workload of system operation and the workload of performance investigation.An access frequency of each of a plurality of measurement cycles for each unit area in a virtual volume is measured in a storage apparatus loaded with a hierarchy control function, the storage hierarchy which is proper as a placement destination of data written in each of the unit areas of the virtual volume is determined based on a measurement result, and the data written in a necessary unit area in the virtual volume is relocated to the storage area to which belongs the storage hierarchy that was determined as being proper based on a determination result.