Virtual Subsystem for NVMe Storage Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage management systems face latency issues when communicating read/write requests over networks due to the need for protocol conversions between different storage devices and host systems, particularly in NVMe-over-Fabric environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual subsystems, controllers, and namespaces allows hosts to perform I/O operations using a consistent logical device interface protocol (such as NVMe), which is translated and processed directly by the target system without intermediate protocol conversions, reducing latency by enabling direct communication with storage devices over PCIe buses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed between SCSI and NVMe in target systems, then compatibility with different storage devices is improved, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer in the target system that acts as an intermediary between SCSI-based host systems and NVMe-based storage devices. This mediator converts SCSI commands to NVMe commands, enabling compatibility between different protocols while maintaining low latency by performing the conversion at the target system level rather than requiring multiple hops through the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the storage management architecture into distinct components: host systems using SCSI protocol, target systems performing protocol conversion, and storage devices using NVMe protocol. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal protocol level while the target system bridges the gap, reducing overall system latency compared to forcing all components to use a single protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol conversions are performed in networked storage environments, then device interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target system serves as a centralized intermediary that consolidates protocol conversion functionality. Rather than requiring each host system or storage device to handle multiple protocols, the target system single-handedly performs the SCSI-to-NVMe translation, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining broad interoperability
Solution Approach 2:
The target system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple protocol types and various storage device interfaces. By making the target system multi-functional with respect to protocol handling, the patent reduces the need for specialized components for each protocol combination, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A computer product, method, and system to generate a virtual subsystem to process read and write requests to storage devices. A virtual controller is configured in a memory device to provide a representation of a controller in a computer system. At least one virtual storage is configured in the memory device. A virtual storage is assigned a quantity of physical storage configured in a plurality of storage devices, wherein the virtual storage maps to addresses in the quantity of physical storage. At least one virtual storage is assigned to a virtual controller. A host is assigned to the virtual storage assigned to the virtual controller. The host assigned the virtual storage is allowed to direct read and write requests to the quantity of physical storage assigned to the virtual storage.