Virtual Storage Processor Load Balancing via Self-Describing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual data movers are complex to manage and move between physical storage processors, hindering ease of mobility and load balancing, which complicates data storage system operations and quality of service optimization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual storage processors (VSPs) as self-describing and independent entities with their own namespaces and configuration file systems, allowing them to be moved between physical storage processors with minimal disruption, enabling precise load balancing based on criteria like CPU utilization and network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual data movers are implemented with shared root file systems and co-located contents, then resource utilization is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the complexity of moving and managing virtual data movers between physical storage processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual data mover into independent, relocatable units with separate namespaces. Each virtual data mover is encapsulated with its own file system hierarchy and configuration settings, allowing it to be moved as a discrete unit between physical storage processors without affecting other virtual data movers or requiring complex coordination of multiple data objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the namespace and configuration settings from the shared root file system and embeds them within each virtual data mover's own file system hierarchy. This extraction allows virtual data movers to be self-contained and independent, eliminating the dependency on the shared root file system and enabling straightforward migration between physical storage processors.
2Productivity
If virtual data movers share a common namespace within the root file system, then resource utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for careful coordination when moving virtual data movers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the namespace into separate, isolated namespaces for each virtual data mover. Each virtual data mover maintains its own independent namespace within its dedicated file system hierarchy, eliminating the need for coordination when moving virtual data movers while still allowing efficient resource utilization through the underlying shared storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the namespace from the shared root file system and embeds it within each virtual data mover's own file system. This extraction creates self-contained virtual data movers that can be migrated independently without affecting other virtual data movers, greatly simplifying the migration process while maintaining resource efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional virtual data movers are moved between physical storage processors, then load balancing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to move multiple data objects separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the namespace, configuration settings, and file system structures into a single integrated virtual data mover unit. This consolidation allows the entire virtual data mover to be moved as one atomic operation between physical storage processors, enabling load balancing without the complexity of coordinating multiple separate data object movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into independent virtual data mover units that can be freely distributed across physical storage processors. Each virtual data mover is a self-contained unit that can be moved independently, enabling flexible load balancing by simply relocating these segmented units based on processor workload conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique performs virtual storage processor (VSP) load balancing. The technique involves receiving a VSP move command to load balance a particular VSP from a source physical storage processor to a destination physical storage processor. The technique further involves relinquishing, by the source physical storage processor, access to a set of VSP definitions that define the particular VSP. The technique further involves obtaining, by the destination physical storage processor, access to the set of VSP definitions that define the particular VSP, the particular VSP being load balanced from the source physical storage processor to the destination physical storage processor upon the destination physical storage processor obtaining access to the set of VSP definitions that define the particular VSP.