Virtual Clustered Storage Server Simulation on Low-Cost Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating network data storage systems do not effectively replicate the operation of a clustered storage server system and its associated storage operating system, limiting the ability to thoroughly test the system's functionality and reliability, especially on low-cost hardware platforms.
Innovation Solution
The system and method involve executing multiple instantiations of the simulated storage operating system as guest operating systems within virtual machines on a host computer or across interconnected host computers, creating a virtual cluster environment that mimics the actual cluster setup, allowing for accurate simulation of storage system configurations and facilitating testing on low-cost hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical clustered storage server systems are used, then system functionality and reliability can be thoroughly tested, but hardware costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical storage server components through virtualization technology. Virtual storage servers, virtual disks, and virtual network adapters are implemented as software abstractions that replicate the functionality of physical hardware, enabling comprehensive reliability testing without requiring expensive physical hardware deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs virtual machine instances that can be rapidly provisioned, configured, and disposed of as needed for testing purposes. These virtual storage server instances run on standard commercial off-the-shelf hardware, replacing the need for expensive dedicated physical storage hardware while maintaining full testing capability
2Quantity of substance
If virtual machines are used to simulate storage systems, then hardware costs are reduced, but simulation accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct virtual components including virtual storage servers, virtual disks, virtual network adapters, and virtual file systems. Each component can be independently configured, tested, and optimized to accurately replicate its physical counterpart's behavior while running on cost-effective virtualized infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes configurable parameters within the virtualization layer to adjust and optimize the behavior of virtual storage components. By modifying virtual device parameters, I/O scheduling policies, and memory allocation settings, the system achieves high-fidelity simulation of physical storage behavior while maintaining hardware cost efficiency
3Productivity
If multiple virtual storage servers are run on the same host, then resource utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtualization platform that can host multiple types of virtual storage server instances simultaneously on the same physical host. This multi-functional virtualization environment consolidates diverse storage workloads, improves hardware resource utilization, and provides a standardized interface for managing different virtual storage configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of testing, during development, the operation of a clustered storage server system and its associated storage operating system. The system includes at least one host computer having a host operating system, and at least one virtual computer having a simulated storage operating system, at least one simulated disk, a simulated NVRAM, and a simulated flashcard within a guest operating system hosted by the host operating system. The simulated storage operating system represents an actual storage operating system. Facilities of the simulated storage operating system including the simulated disk, the simulated NVRAM, and the simulated flashcard are mapped onto corresponding facilities of the host operating system via virtualization components of the virtual computer so that the simulated storage operating system operates substantially the same as the actual storage operating system on low cost host hardware platforms.