Virtual Storage Regions for VMs in NAND Flash Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems for data centers face challenges in efficiently managing storage and improving I/O performance due to increased processing demands for storage operations, particularly in supporting flexible storage services for varying user needs.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that supports storage management by generating virtual storage regions, maintaining threshold values, and restricting data writing based on cumulative data amounts, utilizing NAND flash technology to optimize storage allocation and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the SSD is used as storage for storing large-capacity data in a server of a data center, then storage capacity is improved, but processing load on the server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the physical SSD storage into multiple virtual storage regions (VSSDs), each independently managed and associated with specific virtual machines. This segmentation allows the storage management burden to be distributed across multiple virtual entities rather than concentrated on the host server, reducing the server's processing load while maintaining large storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer (controller) that acts as an intermediary between the physical SSD and the host server. This controller handles storage management operations including wear leveling, bad block management, and data allocation across virtual storage regions, thereby offloading processing tasks from the server and reducing its burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible storage service is provided for various user needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple independent virtual storage regions (VSSD1, VSSD2, etc.) from a single physical SSD, where each VSSD can be independently configured with different capacities, performance characteristics, and availability levels. This segmentation enables flexible storage services for different users without requiring multiple physical devices, while the virtualization layer abstracts the complexity of management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single physical SSD capable of serving multiple different storage requirements simultaneously by creating multiple virtual storage regions with different characteristics. The controller provides universal functionality to handle various storage operations (read, write, erase) across different VSSDs with different configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized storage devices.
3Productivity
If virtual storage regions are created for each virtual machine, then storage management efficiency is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each virtual storage region to be independently managed by the controller, which automatically performs wear leveling, bad block management, and data allocation specific to each VSSD. This self-service capability within the virtualization layer improves storage management efficiency for each virtual machine while the automated processes minimize manual intervention and reduce overall processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple virtual storage region management functions into a single integrated controller that handles all VSSDs. By merging the management of multiple virtual storage regions into one unified control structure, the system achieves efficient resource utilization and reduced processing overhead compared to managing each VSSD separately.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system connectable to a host includes a nonvolatile memory and a controller. The controller is configured to generate one or more virtual storage regions each of which is associated with a virtual machine running in the host, using physical memory regions of the nonvolatile memory, maintain a threshold value for each of said one or more virtual storage regions, determine a cumulative amount of data that have been written in each of said one or more virtual storage regions, and restrict writing of data with respect to a virtual storage region for which the cumulative amount exceeds the threshold value.