Storage Node Architecture with Independent Data Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state drives are often designed to conform to hard disk drive standards for compatibility, which limits their ability to take advantage of unique features of flash and other solid-state memories, and restricts flexibility in communication paths between storage units.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a plurality of storage units and nodes, where the units can communicate directly via a first pathway without assistance from the nodes, and the nodes are configured to own portions of user data without intervening in direct communication between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage units communicate through storage nodes following hard disk drive standards, then compatibility is improved, but communication flexibility and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two distinct communication pathways: a first pathway for storage units to communicate directly with each other without node intervention, and a second pathway for storage nodes to communicate. This segmentation allows storage units to bypass the traditional node-mediated communication model and establish direct peer-to-peer connections, thereby improving communication flexibility while maintaining compatibility through the separate node pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that enables storage units to dynamically select between direct communication (first pathway) and node-mediated communication (second pathway). This intermediary switching layer allows the system to maintain compatibility with traditional standards when needed while enabling direct communication for enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
2Reliability
If storage nodes intervene in all communication between storage units, then data ownership and control are improved, but communication efficiency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication traffic into two categories: data-plane traffic that can flow directly between storage units via the first pathway, and control-plane traffic that requires node intervention via the second pathway. This segmentation allows bulk data transfers to occur at high speed without node bottlenecks, while maintaining node control over metadata operations and data ownership management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial intervention by storage nodes - rather than requiring node involvement in all communications, nodes only intervene when necessary for control functions such as establishing connections, managing data ownership, and handling metadata. Routine data transfers between storage units proceed directly without node intervention, achieving high-speed communication while preserving essential node control.
3Productivity
If direct communication pathways between storage units are added, then communication efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the first pathway (direct communication pathway) to serve multiple functions: data transfer, metadata exchange, and coordination between storage units. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate pathways into a single versatile communication channel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control and data communication functions into a unified architecture where storage units can handle both types of traffic through the direct pathway when appropriate. This merging eliminates the need for completely separate control and data networks, simplifying the overall system architecture while still providing the benefits of direct high-speed communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system is provided. The storage system includes a plurality of storage units, each having a controller and solid-state storage memory. The storage system further includes one or more first pathways that couple processing devices of a plurality of storage nodes and is configured to couple to a network external to the storage system and one or more second pathways that couple the plurality of storage nodes to the plurality of storage units, wherein the one or more second pathways enable multiprocessing applications.