Multi-Control-Node Storage Layout for Lower Access Latency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In storage systems with multiple control nodes, increased client access leads to higher link bandwidth consumption and access latency due to operation requests being forwarded between control nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first control node receives and locally creates objects based on client requests, migrating objects to other control nodes when certain conditions are met to reduce link bandwidth usage and latency, and implement load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operation requests are forwarded between control nodes, then client access is supported, but link bandwidth is consumed and access latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient access supportVSAvoidaccess latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage system into multiple control nodes, each capable of independently handling client requests. By distributing directory objects across different control nodes and enabling local request processing, the system reduces the need for request forwarding between nodes, thereby decreasing access latency while maintaining client access support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical directory structure with a global root directory and local subdirectories distributed across control nodes. This dimensional organization allows clients to access data locally without traversing the entire network, reducing link bandwidth consumption and access latency while supporting scalable client access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operation requests are forwarded between control nodes, then client access is supported, but link bandwidth occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient access supportVSAvoidlink bandwidth occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the namespace into locally cached directory objects distributed across control nodes, the system enables clients to access data without constant network traversal. This segmentation reduces link bandwidth occupation while maintaining full client access support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-caching directory objects and metadata locally at each control node before they are needed for client access. This preliminary local availability eliminates the need for repeated network requests, reducing link bandwidth consumption while supporting client access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If objects are created locally on control nodes, then access performance is optimized, but load balancing becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess performanceVSAvoidload balancing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing through a load manager that continuously monitors control node status and dynamically adjusts directory object placement and client request routing. This dynamic approach maintains optimal load distribution across nodes while preserving local object creation benefits for access performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where control nodes report their load status to a central load manager, which then makes informed decisions about object migration and request routing. This feedback loop enables automatic load balancing without manual intervention, managing complexity while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4258095B1Method for managing storage system, and storage system and computing program product
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4258095B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4258095B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4258095B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for managing a storage system. The storage system includes a plurality of control nodes. The method includes: A first control node in the plurality of control nodes receives a first operation request of a client, and creates a first object on a first storage node based on the first operation request.