Storage Network Data Retrieval via Multi-Block Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage and access methods in storage networks are cumbersome, provide inadequate redundancy, and do not facilitate easy accessibility across different devices, leading to inefficiencies in data management and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A method for data allocation and retrieval in a storage network that determines the most suitable storage blocks based on assignment information, location, device types, peer-to-peer reachability, network information, and presence, allowing for efficient data distribution and redundancy across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored on multiple storage blocks across different devices, then redundancy and accessibility are improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage blocks from different devices into a unified virtual storage pool, managed by a storage network manager. This merging approach enables data to be distributed across multiple physical storage blocks while presenting a single logical storage interface, thereby improving redundancy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage network manager provides universal management capabilities that work across diverse device types and storage blocks. The system can allocate and retrieve data from any storage block in the network regardless of which device it resides on, creating a multi-functional storage system that handles redundancy, allocation, and retrieval through a single management interface.
2Productivity
If data allocation considers multiple factors (location, device types, network information), then data accessibility and optimization are improved, but the complexity of allocation decisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage network manager performs preliminary allocation decisions by pre-determining which storage blocks are suitable for storing data based on device types, network information, and location. This preliminary action creates an optimized allocation map that simplifies subsequent data retrieval operations, as the system only needs to follow pre-established allocation paths rather than making complex decisions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage network manager acts as an intermediary between data requests and physical storage blocks. It receives data allocation and retrieval requests, processes them through its management logic that considers multiple factors, and then directs operations to appropriate storage blocks. This intermediary layer absorbs the complexity of multi-factor decision-making, presenting a simplified interface to both data sources and storage devices.
3Reliability
If the system attempts retrieval from multiple storage blocks in sequence, then data availability is improved, but retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage network manager performs preliminary assessment of storage block availability and data location before initiating retrieval operations. By pre-determining which storage blocks contain the requested data and their current status, the system can directly access the correct storage block without unnecessary sequential attempts, thereby maintaining high data availability while minimizing retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the storage network manager continuously monitors the status of storage blocks and updates its knowledge of data locations. When data is retrieved or storage blocks become unavailable, the manager receives feedback and adjusts its allocation and retrieval strategies accordingly, enabling faster subsequent retrieval operations based on learned information about the storage network state.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of retrieving data in a storage network may include determining a list of storage blocks of a storage network for potential retrieval of a data file for storage on a first storage block of the storage network. The determining may be based on two or more of: assignment information of the data file as assigned by a storage network manager, location information, device types, peer-to-peer reachability, network information, and presence information. The method may also include attempting to retrieve the data file from a second storage block included in the list of storage blocks for storage on the first storage block. Further, the method may include attempting to retrieve the data file from a third storage block included in the list of storage blocks for storage on the first storage block when retrieval from the second storage block fails.