Virtual Block Addressing for Storage Tier Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data migration between different tiers in storage systems necessitates computationally expensive regeneration of logical addresses and indexes due to changes in physical addresses, disrupting system efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual block address system that uses a storage allocation table to link data objects to extents, allowing for migration of extents without updating each virtual block address, thereby maintaining system efficiency and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is migrated between storage tiers, then storage system flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but computational overhead and system disruption increase due to regeneration of logical addresses and indexes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual block address as an intermediary layer between the host and physical storage locations. This virtual address remains stable while physical locations change, allowing data migration between tiers without requiring regeneration of logical addresses or indexes, thus eliminating the computational overhead associated with traditional migration approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage address space into virtual block addresses that are independent of physical storage locations. By separating the logical addressing layer from the physical storage layer, the system enables flexible data migration while maintaining stable logical addresses, resolving the contradiction between migration flexibility and computational efficiency
2Productivity
If physical addresses are updated during data migration, then data can be moved to optimal storage tiers, but logical addresses and indexes must be regenerated causing system disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual block address serves as a mediator that decouples logical addressing from physical storage locations. When data migrates between tiers, only the mapping from virtual block address to physical location needs updating, while the virtual block addresses themselves remain unchanged. This eliminates the need to regenerate logical addresses and indexes, significantly reducing system disruption time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional dimension to the storage address space by introducing virtual block addresses as a separate layer above physical addresses. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain stable logical references while physical locations change, enabling efficient data migration without the time loss associated with regenerating address structures
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to objects in extents on a storage resource. In an example, an extent identifier is persisted to a storage allocation table, where the extent identifier locates an extent on a storage resource. An extent map tracks which objects in the extent are deallocated. A virtual block address is generated allocating an object to store data. The virtual block address may include a storage allocation table key that locates the extent identifier in the storage allocation table and an extent offset to locate the object within the extent.