Storage Pool Space Reclamation via Dynamic Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face inefficiencies in space release processes, leading to data unavailability and performance issues due to frequent triggering of space releases and reclamation, which are time-consuming and disrupt system stability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for managing storage spaces by determining a threshold allocation rate for a storage pool, identifying a target file system for space release based on unused portions, and optimizing the space release process to avoid frequent triggering and minimize performance impact, using a dynamic threshold that varies with storage pool size to determine when to reclaim unused space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the system triggers space release of file systems when storage spaces actually used are less than allocated spaces, then storage efficiency is improved, but data unavailability occurs and the process is very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring usage trends and predicting future space needs before actually releasing space. This allows the system to prepare space release operations in advance during low-activity periods, reducing the impact on data availability while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic space management by continuously adjusting space allocation based on real-time usage patterns and workload conditions. The system dynamically determines when to release space versus when to maintain allocated space, balancing storage efficiency with data availability requirements through adaptive decision-making.
2Loss of energy
If frequent space releases are triggered, then storage efficiency is improved, but file system shaking occurs due to switching between space release and space extension
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic space management operations by releasing space at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach allows the file system to stabilize between operations, preventing the shaking effect caused by frequent alternating space releases and extensions while maintaining overall storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Before triggering space release operations, the system performs preliminary analysis of usage trends and predicts future space requirements. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary space releases that would cause file system instability, ensuring that space management operations are both efficient and stable.
3Productivity
If the system releases unused space from file systems, then storage pool utilization is improved, but the space release process is time-consuming and disrupts system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service space management by automatically identifying unused space and releasing it without requiring manual intervention or causing significant performance disruption. The space release process is optimized to run independently during low-impact periods, improving storage pool utilization while minimizing time loss and performance disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor space usage patterns and system performance during space release operations. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the space release process to optimize utilization while minimizing time consumption and performance impact, creating a self-regulating space management system.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to manage storage spaces involve: determining an allocation rate of a storage pool based on a size of a storage space of the storage pool and sizes of allocated spaces for file systems from the storage space; determining a threshold allocation rate of the storage pool based on the size of the storage space of the storage pool; in accordance with a determination that the allocation rate of the storage pool is greater than the threshold allocation rate, determining a target file system from the file systems based on sizes of unused portions of the allocated spaces for the file systems; and releasing an unused portion of an allocated space for the target file system. Accordingly, the efficiency of space release of a storage system can be improved and the adverse impact of the space release process on the performance of the storage system can be reduced.