Storage Manager DAG Translation for Client Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed data storage systems, client computers running older software revisions cannot interpret newer data structures, leading to compatibility issues and the need for frequent upgrades or replacements when server or storage configurations change.
Innovation Solution
A method where client computers request and receive a directed acyclic graph (DAG) from the storage manager to perform data access operations, allowing them to execute necessary I/O operations even if they cannot interpret the newer data organization, thereby enabling operation in a newer server environment without upgrading the client machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If client computers run older software revisions, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but they cannot interpret newer data structures from updated servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data access map as an intermediary structure between the newer server data organization and older client software. The storage manager generates this map that translates newer data structures into formats older clients can understand, enabling compatibility without requiring client upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage manager performs preliminary translation of data structures into data access maps before the data is accessed by older clients. This preliminary action prepares the data in an interpretable format in advance, allowing clients to access data without needing to understand the native newer format.
2Reliability
If client computers are upgraded to newer software versions, then they can interpret newer data structures, but time, money, and effort are required for replacement or upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The data access map serves as a mediator that allows older clients to access newer data structures without requiring client software upgrades. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming client machine replacements or upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the data access interface through the data access map, which replicates the functionality of newer client software's data interpretation capabilities. This copy allows older clients to interact with newer data structures as if they were running newer software, without actually upgrading.
3Productivity
If storage systems use newer data organization formats, then storage efficiency and functionality improve, but older clients cannot access the data
Solution Approach 1:
The data access map acts as a translation intermediary between the newer storage system data organization and older client formats. It enables the storage system to use efficient newer formats while maintaining compatibility with older clients through the mapping layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The data access process is segmented into two independent parts: the newer data organization layer in the storage system and the data access map translation layer. This segmentation allows the storage system to optimize data organization while the map handles compatibility translation, separating productivity optimization from compatibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allowing client computers in a distributed object-based data storage system to interpret higher revision data structures. In one embodiment, clients request layout maps of objects to be accessed from respective storage managers in the system and then construct and execute directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to accomplish desired I/O operations for data access. When a client computer running an older software revision is not able to interpret a particular data organization supplied by the storage manager that was designed after that client's software was installed, the client sends to the storage manager a description of the desired data access operation. The storage manager, in turn, interprets a data layout scheme for a client on a per-access basis and returns to that client a DAG containing a data structure that describes the sequence of I/O operations necessary to effect the data access. The client can then execute the storage manager-supplied DAG to carry out the data access.