Storage Media Switch for SR-IOV Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale data compute systems face inefficiencies due to the lack of common hardware-enabled storage virtualization, particularly when combining SR-IOV capable and non-capable storage devices, leading to incomplete utilization of storage media resources.
Innovation Solution
A storage media switch is implemented to automatically enable SR-IOV support by receiving host commands, determining virtual function identifiers, and selecting the appropriate virtual functions for execution, thereby allowing hosts to utilize any storage media type, including those without native SR-IOV support, without requiring host involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage devices without native SR-IOV support are used, then system compatibility and adaptability are improved, but storage virtualization functionality and isolation are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage media switch as an intermediary device between the host and storage media. The switch contains a virtualization module that creates virtual functions and manages I/O commands, enabling SR-IOV functionality on storage devices that lack native support. This intermediary approach allows non-SR-IOV storage devices to be accessed with virtualization capabilities while maintaining isolation and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage media switch is designed to work with multiple types of storage media regardless of their native SR-IOV capability. The virtualization module provides universal SR-IOV functionality across different storage device types, making the system adaptable to various storage media while maintaining consistent virtualization performance and isolation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If host computing resources are used to enable virtual function support, then virtualization functionality is improved, but host resource consumption and system complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage media switch performs self-service by automatically creating virtual functions and managing I/O command routing without requiring host intervention. The virtualization module autonomously handles the complexity of SR-IOV implementation, freeing host resources while providing comprehensive virtual function support. The switch independently manages virtualization tasks including command reception, virtual function identification, and execution routing.
3Ease of operation
If automatic virtual function enabling is implemented, then ease of operation and automation are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage media switch performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring virtual functions and establishing I/O command routing paths before actual storage operations begin. The virtualization module proactively creates the necessary virtualization infrastructure, so that when I/O commands are received, the automatic routing and execution can proceed without complex real-time decision-making, simplifying the operational complexity.
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for automatically mapping virtual functions to storage media to enable single root input output virtualization. A storage media switch manages access to virtual functions that execute behind a storage media interface managed by the switch. The switch includes a host interface through which the switch receives host commands. The switch determines virtual function identifiers associated with the host commands and automatically selects the virtual functions of the storage media based on the virtual function identifiers. The switch executes the host commands over the storage media interface using the virtual functions, and after execution, responds via the host interface to each of the host commands. By automatically mapping virtual functions in this way, the switch automatically enables single root input output virtualization of storage media, including storage media that is without native support for input output virtualization.