Threshold-Based Indication Framework for Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage system management software faces inefficiencies and failures due to the large number of indications generated for multiple storage objects, leading to network resource consumption and client application shutdowns, especially as storage systems manage increasing complexity and additional functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a threshold-based indication framework where a single bulk status indication is sent to clients when the number of notifications exceeds a defined threshold, allowing clients to perform appropriate actions and reducing the overhead for both servers and clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional storage system management software sends individual indications for each storage object change, then clients receive complete and timely notifications, but network resources are consumed excessively and client applications may shutdown due to the large number of indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual indications into a single bulk indication when the number of storage object changes exceeds a threshold. Instead of sending separate notifications for each changed storage object, the system aggregates these changes and sends one consolidated indication containing information about multiple changes, thereby reducing network resource consumption while still keeping clients informed of all changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of indication delivery from individual per-change notifications to bulk aggregated notifications based on a threshold parameter. The system monitors the number of storage object changes and switches between sending individual indications and bulk indications based on whether the change count exceeds the defined threshold, optimizing network resource usage dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system manages increasing complexity and additional functionality in storage systems, then storage system capabilities are enhanced, but the number of indications generated increases leading to client application failures
Solution Approach 1:
As storage systems add more functionality and manage greater complexity, the number of storage objects and potential changes increases. The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple indication events into single bulk indications, preventing client applications from being overwhelmed by the increased volume of notifications while still maintaining awareness of all storage object changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the indication generation module with threshold-based logic) between the storage object changes and the client applications. This intermediary aggregates and filters indications before forwarding them to clients, protecting client applications from the full impact of increased system complexity and functionality.
3Loss of information
If individual indications are sent for each storage object change, then clients have detailed information about each change, but server and client overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the indication delivery parameter based on the number of changes. When changes are few, individual detailed indications are sent. When changes exceed the threshold, bulk indications are sent instead. This parameter change optimizes the balance between information detail and management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always sending complete individual indications for every change (excessive action), the system sends bulk indications that provide aggregated information about multiple changes (partial action). This partial action approach reduces server and client overhead while still providing sufficient information about storage object changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used in managing indications in data storage systems. A threshold value is associated with a storage object. A client subscribes to a server for receiving an indication indicating a change in a property of the storage object. A determination is made as to whether a number of indications processed by the server exceeds the threshold value. A bulk status is associated with the indication based on the determination. The indication is send to the client. The client performs an action based on the bulk status associated with the indication.