Variable Length Segment Storage Deduplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data de-duplication methods face challenges in efficiently identifying and removing duplicate information, especially when dealing with variable length segments in fixed length de-duplication systems, as they often require complex and resource-intensive processes that are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable length segment storage method that aligns variable length segments with fixed length de-duplication schemes using alignment padding, allowing for adjustments in padding based on data modifications, enabling effective de-duplication by a fixed length de-duplication system without modifying the existing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed length de-duplication schemes are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but duplicate identification efficiency deteriorates when data is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides data into variable length segments based on semantic boundaries (e.g., complete records, documents, or logical units) rather than fixed byte positions. This segmentation allows the system to identify duplicates at meaningful boundaries, improving efficiency when data modifications occur, as entire segments can be recognized as duplicate or non-duplicate without requiring analysis of individual fixed-length blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates variable length segments into fixed length blocks for storage. This intermediary mapping mechanism allows the de-duplication system to work with semantically meaningful variable length data while maintaining compatibility with fixed length storage architectures, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and duplicate identification efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If variable length segments are used, then de-duplication accuracy is improved, but storage overhead increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of variable length segments to storage boundaries before data is written to disk. By pre-calculating and applying the necessary padding or truncation to align segments with storage block boundaries, the system avoids the need for complex runtime alignment operations and minimizes storage overhead. This preliminary action ensures that variable length segments are efficiently mapped to fixed length storage units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts segment parameters (such as segment boundaries and padding requirements) based on the specific data being stored and the target storage architecture. By changing parameters like segment size thresholds and alignment boundaries adaptively, the system optimizes the balance between de-duplication accuracy and storage overhead for different data types and workloads.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed length segmenting is used, then storage simplicity is maintained, but resource consumption increases when data modifications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic segmentation strategy where segment boundaries and lengths are determined based on data characteristics and modification patterns rather than being fixed in advance. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to data modifications more efficiently, reducing processing resource consumption by avoiding unnecessary re-segmentation and re-hashing of fixed length blocks when data changes occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, a variable length segment storage method comprises: receiving a data stream; performing a tailored segment process on the data stream, wherein at least one of a plurality of tailored segments include corresponding data of at least one of a plurality of variable length segments and alignment padding to align with boundaries of a fixed length de-duplication scheme; performing a de-duplication process on the plurality of tailored segments; and storing information corresponding to the result of the de-duplication process. In one embodiment, the tailored segment process includes adjusting the alignment padding of the at least one of a plurality of tailored segments, wherein an adjustment in the alignment padding of the at least one of a plurality of tailored segments corresponds to a modification in the at least one of the plurality of variable length segments.