Storage Mediator Switching for Replication Availability Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in data management and reliability, particularly in flash storage systems, due to redundant write operations and lack of centralized control over storage processes, leading to reduced reliability and increased wear on storage devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where the operating system directly addresses data blocks without translation by storage controllers, offloading device management tasks, and utilizing dual storage array controllers for failover and collaborative storage services, along with non-volatile RAM for quick data buffering and proactive data rebuilding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If storage controllers translate and manage data blocks, then data management control is improved, but device complexity and redundant write operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data translation and management functions from the storage controller and places them directly in the operating system. The OS now directly addresses flash memory data blocks without controller intervention, eliminating the controller's role as a translation intermediary and reducing its complexity while maintaining data management control.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system serves itself by directly managing flash memory data blocks without requiring storage controller translation services. The OS performs address translation and data management tasks independently, eliminating redundant controller involvement and the associated complexity.
2Reliability
If storage controllers manage write operations, then data integrity is improved, but wear on storage devices increases due to redundant writes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the storage controller's write management functions and transfers them to the operating system. The OS directly manages write operations to flash memory data blocks, eliminating redundant controller-mediated writes and reducing overall write amplification, thereby extending storage device lifespan while maintaining data integrity through OS-level control.
3Reliability
If dual storage array controllers are used for failover, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of dual storage array controllers into a single controller architecture that works in conjunction with direct OS management. By consolidating controller functions and eliminating the need for complex dual-controller coordination, the system maintains failover capability through simpler means, reducing architectural complexity while preserving reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If storage controllers perform data translation, then compatibility is improved, but write efficiency decreases due to redundant operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data translation function from the storage controller and implements it directly in the operating system. The OS performs address translation and data management operations natively when directly addressing flash memory data blocks, eliminating redundant controller-mediated translation steps and significantly improving write efficiency while maintaining full data compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system switching mediators within a storage system synchronously replicating data, where the switching between mediators includes determining that availability of a first mediator service has decreased to a particular level, wherein the first mediator service can provide mediation services at the particular level to a plurality of storage systems and is external to the plurality of storage systems; and based on the determination, switching from use of the first mediator service to use of a second mediator service that is external to the plurality of storage systems.