Storage Volume Master Block Allocation for Data Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database systems face performance issues due to physical scattering of storage pages, leading to longer access and write times, as they lack efficient clustering of logically related data, and existing solutions like variable page sizing can cause fragmentation in storage volumes.
Innovation Solution
Partitioning a physical storage volume into equal-sized 'master blocks' that can accommodate storage pages of varying sizes, allowing for efficient allocation and re-allocation based on page size, and using global and local indices to manage block locations, thereby reducing fragmentation and improving data clustering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable page sizing is used to accommodate different data storage needs, then storage flexibility is improved, but fragmentation in storage volumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage volume is segmented into multiple storage regions, each dedicated to a specific page size. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate variable page sizes while preventing fragmentation, as each region maintains uniform page size allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different storage regions are assigned different page size characteristics tailored to specific data types or access patterns. This local quality approach optimizes storage efficiency for each region while maintaining overall system flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If storage pages are allocated without clustering consideration, then allocation simplicity is improved, but data access times increase due to physical scattering
Solution Approach 1:
Storage pages are pre-allocated in clustered sequences during initialization or low-activity periods, so that related data pages are physically adjacent before actual data writing occurs. This preliminary clustering action maintains allocation simplicity while reducing future access times.
Solution Approach 2:
A mapping layer or translation mechanism is introduced between the logical allocation request and physical storage location, allowing the system to maintain simple allocation logic while achieving physical clustering through the intermediary's coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical storage volume can be partitioned into a plurality of master blocks of an equal master block size. Each master block of the plurality of master blocks can be allocated for storage of a single storage page size of a plurality of predefined storage page sizes provided for storage of data by a data storage application. A received page size can be determined for a storage page designated by the data storage application for storage on the physical storage volume, and the storage page can be stored in a free block of a master block of the plurality of master blocks having the single page size equivalent to the received page size. Related methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.