Computational Storage Topology Switching for Flexible Host Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computational storage systems are limited by fixed topologies that do not adapt to the specific applications executed by the host, leading to inefficiencies in data storage and processing.
Innovation Solution
A computational storage system that dynamically configures an optimized topology based on the application executed by the host, allowing direct or indirect access to the computing circuit and storage device through a switch, enabling flexible connection establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed topology is used in computational storage systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot adapt to different application requirements leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic topology configuration by allowing the computational storage system to switch between different topologies (first topology with direct host-access to computing circuit and storage device, second topology with host-access to computing circuit only) based on application requirements. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal topology configuration that can serve multiple application scenarios. The same computational storage system can operate in different topology modes depending on whether the application requires direct storage access or computing-only access, making the system versatile across different use cases without requiring multiple specialized systems.
2Speed
If direct access to storage device is allowed for all hosts, then data access speed is improved, but security and access control become difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls host access to the storage device by switching between topology configurations. When high speed is needed and security permits, the first topology allows direct access. When security requirements increase, the system transitions to the second topology where the switch mediates all storage access requests, providing controlled access while maintaining the same physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary between the host and storage device in the second topology configuration. It receives access requests from the host, determines whether to forward them to the computing circuit or storage device based on security policies and application requirements, thereby providing secure controlled access without requiring the host to have direct unmediated access to the storage device.
3Productivity
If topology is fixed to optimize for computing performance, then processing speed is improved, but storage access flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic topology adjustment based on workload characteristics. For computing-intensive applications, the system configures the first topology to maximize processing performance with direct host-access to the computing circuit. For storage-intensive applications, the system can maintain direct storage access paths. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for processing performance when needed while maintaining storage access flexibility when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A computational storage system may include a computing circuit configured to execute an operation requested by a host, a storage device for storing data, and a switch configured to establish a connection among the host, the computing circuit and the storage device based on a topology for the host, the computing circuit and the storage device. The switch may establish the connections so that the host can directly access the computing circuit and the storage device when the topology is a first topology, and may establish the connections so that the host can directly access the computing circuit but the host cannot directly access the storage device when the topology is a second topology.