Virtual Cluster File System for Transparent Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems face challenges in efficient storage management, data object mirroring, error handling, backup, and compliance with increasing data volumes and regulatory requirements, particularly in mid to large-sized companies, due to costly system changes, lack of standardization, and inadequate error handling and meta data management.
Innovation Solution
A virtual cluster file system that provides transparent deployment to existing clients, data object mirroring across multiple storage devices, policy-driven scheduling, and advanced data management features such as access control, meta data management, and scalable storage solutions without requiring additional client subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional file systems are deployed to provide network-oriented environments, then data sharing requirements of workgroups and clusters are satisfied, but clients require costly system changes and new drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file server as an intermediary component that implements the clustered file system protocol. This server mediates between the existing clients and the storage resources, allowing clients to access shared files without requiring modifications to their operating systems or installation of new drivers. The file server handles all protocol processing and file management operations centrally.
2Reliability
If data objects are mirrored across multiple storage devices for reliability, then availability is improved, but object identifier determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal naming scheme where each file is assigned a unique identifier that remains consistent across all storage devices and mirror copies. This universal identifier system allows the clustered file system to track and manage mirrored objects uniformly, simplifying the determination of object identifiers regardless of which storage device or replica is being accessed.
3Quantity of substance
If storage capacity is increased to meet growing data requirements, then storage volume is expanded, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic storage management features including dynamic allocation of storage resources, automated file placement across storage devices, and self-organizing directory structures. The clustered file system automatically manages storage capacity expansion by distributing files across available resources without requiring manual intervention, thereby handling large storage volumes efficiently while minimizing management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for object-based archival data storage includes an object-based storage subsystem having respective data storage devices, at least one file presentation interface that interfaces to client platforms, an administration interface having graphical user interface (GUI) and a command line interface (CLI), a meta data subsystem for storing meta data about files, and includes a virtual file subsystem having a virtual file server (VFS), a policy subsystem, and a scalable interconnect to couple the object-based storage subsystem, the at least one file presentation interface, the administration interface, the meta data subsystem, and the policy subsystem, wherein the policy subsystem provides system rules predetermined by a user for at least one of hash based integrity checking, read-only/write-ability/erase-ability control, and duplicate data treatment corresponding to files and file objects.