Communication Switch Isolation for Dense Redundant Storage Sleds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional networked storage systems face physical limitations such as density constraints due to underlying storage technology and space requirements for network interconnects and climate control, limiting the number of devices per host, which is problematic in high-capacity, redundant, and reliable storage environments like cloud and enterprise systems.
Innovation Solution
A scalable storage system architecture that includes communication switch circuitry for logical isolation, allowing processors to manage transactions and redistribute power among storage sleds and modules, ensuring high redundancy and density through PCIe switches and power holdup circuitry for uninterrupted operations during power interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional networked storage systems are used, then physical space requirements for network interconnects and climate control are met, but device density per host is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments storage resources into discrete storage sleds that can be independently managed and allocated. Each storage sled is a self-contained unit with its own processing and storage capabilities, allowing dense packing in rack-mounted environments while maintaining individual addressability and management. This segmentation enables high device density without proportionally increasing physical space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal expansion to vertical rack-mounted deployment. Storage sleds are arranged vertically in rack units, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve high device density. This dimensional change allows multiple storage devices to be stacked in a compact footprint, dramatically increasing the quantity of storage devices per unit of physical space.
2Reliability
If the number of devices per host is increased, then storage capacity and redundancy are improved, but physical limitations are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The host processor communicates with storage sleds through standardized interfaces and protocols, acting as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of managing numerous storage devices. The system uses logical addressing and standardized communication protocols to manage high numbers of devices without proportionally increasing host complexity. This intermediary approach allows high device counts while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage sleds are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can serve multiple purposes: storage, processing, and communication. Each sled can be independently configured and managed, allowing the system to achieve high redundancy through multiple identical units rather than complex heterogeneous systems. This universality simplifies management while enabling high device counts for improved reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If power is redistributed among storage sleds, then continuous operation during power interruptions is enabled, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power holdup circuitry is pre-configured in each storage sled to automatically activate during power interruptions. These circuitry elements are designed to kick in immediately when main power fails, providing uninterrupted power to critical functions. This preliminary preparation enables operation continuity without requiring complex real-time power management decisions during failure events.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage sled includes its own power holdup circuitry and power management capabilities, making it self-sufficient during power interruptions. When power is redistributed, individual sleds can independently manage their own power needs using local holdup circuitry, rather than requiring centralized complex power management. This self-service approach enables continuity while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and software for computing systems are provided herein. In one example, a system includes a processor configured to communicate over a network interface and a processor peripheral communication interface. The system includes communication switch circuitry communicatively coupling the processor peripheral communication interface and a device peripheral communication interface of an endpoint device. The communication switch circuitry is configured to establish logical isolation among ports of the communication switch circuitry by instantiating visibility over the logical isolation among the processor and the endpoint device. The processor is configured to determine transactions received over the network interface are targeted for the endpoint device, and transfer at least data of the transactions over the communication switch circuitry for receipt by the endpoint device.