Storage System Data Replication in Reduced Power Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems face challenges in efficiently replicating data while operating in reduced power modes, which can lead to data loss and system instability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a method and apparatus for replicating data in a storage system operating in a reduced power mode, utilizing techniques such as direct-mapped flash storage systems, zone-based storage devices, and distributed storage clusters with erasure coding and redundancy schemes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the storage system operates in reduced power mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but data integrity and system reliability deteriorate due to potential data loss during replication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by initiating data replication operations before entering reduced power mode. The replication process is started in advance while the system is still fully operational, ensuring that data is copied to redundant storage locations before power is reduced. This preliminary action ensures data integrity is maintained even when the system later operates with reduced power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by establishing redundant data copies and error correction mechanisms before entering reduced power mode. Multiple copies of critical data are created and stored in different locations, providing a cushion against potential data loss. This preparatory redundancy ensures that even if power is reduced or lost, the system can recover without data integrity issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If data replication is performed continuously to maintain redundancy, then data integrity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous replication, the system implements periodic action by performing data replication only when necessary. The system monitors system state and data change patterns, initiating replication operations periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. This approach maintains adequate data redundancy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting replication frequency and intensity based on system conditions. When the system is in normal operation with adequate power, replication occurs more frequently. When power becomes constrained or the system enters reduced power mode, replication parameters are changed to reduce frequency and energy consumption, while maintaining minimum required redundancy levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the storage system enters reduced power mode to extend operational duration, then duration of action is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to potential data loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by completing critical data replication and synchronization operations before entering reduced power mode. All necessary data protection mechanisms are activated in advance, ensuring that the system can safely reduce power without compromising stability. This preliminary preparation allows the system to extend operational duration while maintaining stability through pre-established redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by using onboard energy storage devices (such as capacitors or batteries) to maintain critical functions during power reduction. These self-contained energy sources provide just enough power to maintain data integrity and system stability during reduced power mode, allowing extended operational duration without external power while preserving system stability through autonomous energy management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12340110B1Replicating data in a storage system operating in a reduced power mode

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

Replicating a dataset in a storage system operating in a reduced power mode, including: detecting that the storage system should enter the reduced power mode; entering the reduced power mode; and performing, while in the reduced power mode, one or more data replication operations associated with the dataset, including selecting, from amongst a plurality of data communication mechanisms, a data communication mechanism to utilize for performing the one or more data replication operations.