Virtual Volume Data Migration via Page-Level Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data migration and storage hierarchization technologies do not effectively manage data allocation in virtual volumes under Thin Provisioning, leading to inefficient use of storage resources as all data is migrated to a second tier, even if not all data needs to be there.
Innovation Solution
A method of managing multiple storage area groups based on storage attributes, where data is allocated and migrated within these groups based on access conditions, ensuring that data is stored in the most appropriate tier according to its I/O frequency, optimizing storage resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all data in the first virtual volume is migrated from the first tier to the second tier, then storage capacity is improved, but storage resource utilization deteriorates because not all data needs to exist in the second tier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual volume into multiple virtual pages and segments storage areas into multiple actual pages across different storage devices. By managing data at the page level rather than volume level, the system can selectively migrate only necessary data pages between tiers, improving storage resource utilization while maintaining adequate capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data migration based on access conditions. Data pages are automatically migrated between tiers based on their access frequency and patterns, allowing the storage system to adaptively optimize resource utilization while maintaining required storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If data is migrated in units of volumes, then data migration is simplified, but storage resource utilization deteriorates because all data is migrated regardless of access needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides volumes into smaller manageable pages, allowing selective migration of individual pages based on access conditions rather than migrating entire volumes. This maintains operational simplicity through automated page-level management while improving resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system automatically monitors access conditions and performs data migration without manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of page-level migration, maintaining ease of operation for users while achieving optimized resource utilization through automated decisions.
3Productivity
If multiple storage area groups are managed based on storage attributes, then storage resource utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage control device manages multiple storage area groups with different attributes (capacity, access speed, cost) through a unified control mechanism. This universal management approach handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface, improving resource utilization without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors access conditions of data pages and uses this feedback to automatically decide migration timing and destinations. This feedback mechanism optimizes resource utilization through automated decisions, reducing the need for complex manual management while achieving sophisticated resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple storage area groups into which multiple storage areas provided by multiple storage devices are classified with reference to storage area attributes are managed. The multiple logical volumes to which, in accordance with a write request to at least one address included in multiple addresses in the logical volume, at least one storage area included in the multiple storage areas is allocated are provided. In accordance with the access condition of the at least one address in the logical volume, the data written to the at least one address by the write request is migrated from the at least one storage area included in one of the multiple storage area groups to at least one storage area in another storage area group included in the multiple storage area groups.