Storage I/O Utilization Measurement Across Abstraction Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the storage I/O capacity available to a specific file in a shared storage system is challenging due to multiple layers of abstraction and concurrent access by multiple computers and applications, making it difficult to plan and manage storage resources effectively to meet service level expectations.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the total storage I/O capacity by evaluating storage elements at both physical and file levels, measuring I/O operations, and calculating utilization, providing an end-to-end view of storage I/O capacity and utilization through a system model interface, API module, and display interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage elements are shared across multiple computers and applications, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of storage I/O capacity available to a specific file deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple hierarchical levels (physical storage devices, logical unit numbers, operating system volumes, and files). By measuring and tracking storage I/O capacity at each level separately, the system can precisely determine the capacity available to a specific file even when storage resources are shared across multiple computers and applications. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and measure the relevant capacity portion for each file without interference from other users or applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of abstraction are introduced between physical storage devices and logical files, then system versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that operates across the multiple layers of abstraction (SAN, NAS, operating system volumes, LUNs). This intermediary layer collects and correlates data from each level to provide a consolidated end-to-end view of storage I/O capacity. Rather than simplifying the architecture, the patent manages the complexity by adding a measurement and tracking intermediary that can navigate and quantify capacity through all the abstraction layers.
3Manufacturing precision
If a consolidated end-to-end view of storage I/O capacity is implemented, then storage management accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement capabilities across all storage layers into a unified end-to-end view. By combining the measurement data from physical storage devices, LUNs, operating system volumes, and individual files into a single consolidated measurement system, the patent achieves accurate storage management. This merging allows the system to present a unified capacity view that spans all abstraction layers, enabling precise capacity planning and allocation despite the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining a total storage input/output capacity of a set of storage elements available for use by a software application located on an operating system volume of a computer system. The total storage input/output capacity is determined by evaluating storage input/output capacity of the storage elements at a physical device level and at a file level. The method includes measuring a number of input/output storage operations performed on behalf of the software application. The method also includes determining a storage input/output utilization of the software application based on the measured number of input/output storage operations as compared to the total storage input/output capacity of the set of storage elements.