Storage Virtualization System I/O Performance Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtualization systems often experience degraded input/output (I/O) performance, which hinders resource usage efficiency, necessitating improvements in storage virtualization technologies to enhance software overhead and performance.
Innovation Solution
A storage virtualization system that includes a non-volatile memory device and a memory controller capable of generating virtual devices, converting virtual addresses to physical addresses through resource mapping and address conversion processes, thereby optimizing I/O operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage virtualization is implemented to improve resource usage efficiency, then resource utilization is improved, but I/O performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple virtual devices, each with its own dedicated I/O processing resources. The memory controller divides the physical storage into multiple virtual storage devices, allowing different virtual devices to be accessed through separate I/O paths, thereby reducing software overhead and improving I/O performance while maintaining high resource utilization through virtualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a specialized memory controller that directly manages virtual device mappings without requiring full software intervention. This intermediary layer handles address translation and I/O operations more efficiently, reducing the software overhead that typically degrades I/O performance in virtualized environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual devices are generated and address conversion is performed to improve resource mapping efficiency, then resource usage efficiency is improved, but software overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary address mapping and virtual device generation during system initialization and configuration phases. The memory controller pre-establishes mapping tables and virtual device structures before actual I/O operations begin, reducing the need for complex runtime software intervention and thereby decreasing software overhead during active operations
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller implements self-service capabilities by autonomously managing virtual device creation, address translation, and I/O operation routing without requiring continuous software management. This self-managing approach significantly reduces software overhead while maintaining efficient resource usage through automated virtualization functions
Data Source
AI summary
The storage device and storage virtualization system include a non-volatile memory device, and a memory controller configured to generate at least one virtual device corresponding to a physical storage area of the non-volatile memory device, and convert a virtual address for the virtual device into a physical address in response to an access request.