User Space Storage Management for Block Device Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy systems require unique virtual 'block devices' for each file system and snapshot, limiting the number of block devices that can be managed due to operating system resource constraints, making them inefficient in environments needing large numbers of block devices.

Innovation Solution

User space software executes to abstract logical storage volumes into objects, allowing access without interacting with operating system software, reducing the need for kernel 'block devices' and enabling more efficient storage volume management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy systems use unique virtual block devices for each file system and snapshot, then each storage volume can be managed independently, but the number of block devices that can be managed is limited due to operating system resource constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volume management capabilityVSAvoidnumber of block devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal user space access client that can manage multiple storage volumes and snapshots without requiring separate kernel block devices for each. This multi-functional access client resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to handle an unlimited number of storage volumes (improving adaptability) while avoiding the creation of numerous block devices (controlling complexity).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If user space software is used to abstract logical storage volumes, then operating system resource constraints are reduced and system expansion is enabled, but interaction with operating system software is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem expansion speedVSAvoidoperating system interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces user space software as an intermediary layer between applications and storage volumes. This mediator abstracts logical storage volumes into objects that can be manipulated without direct operating system interaction, enabling rapid system expansion (improving productivity) while reducing the need for complex operating system interactions (maintaining ease of operation through automation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If kernel block devices are used for storage management, then operating system control is maintained, but latency increases and resource constraints are imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating system controlVSAvoidaccess latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts storage volume management operations from the operating system kernel to user space. By removing the dependency on kernel block devices, the system reduces access latency (improving time efficiency) while maintaining operating system control through the user space access client that can still interact with the operating system when necessary (preserving reliability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11435948B2Methods and systems for user space storage management

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method for accessing data where the method includes receiving, by an access client executing in user space, a request to read data that includes a file system identifier and an offset, identifying a storage server associated with the data, generating a command to copy the data to memory, and sending the command to the storage server.