Virtual Volume Deduplication via Virtualized Storage Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments, there is significant data duplication due to multiple servers supporting multiple copies of the same operating system and application software, leading to storage inefficiencies, and not all storage arrays support both virtual volumes (VVOLs) and deduplication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a primary storage array and a virtualized storage array, where the latter uses deduplication algorithms to reduce data redundancy by identifying identical data chunks and storing virtual volumes (VVOLs) on either array based on deduplication information, with data moving between arrays depending on predetermined criteria such as size reduction percentage or ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored on the primary storage array without deduplication capability, then storage operations are simple and reliable, but data redundancy cannot be reduced leading to inefficient storage utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct arrays: a primary storage array for simple storage operations and a virtualized storage array with deduplication capability. This segmentation allows each array to specialize in specific functions, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtualized storage array acts as an intermediary between the primary storage array and the actual physical storage. It provides deduplication services to the primary array, enabling the primary array to benefit from deduplication without implementing the complex deduplication logic itself.
2Quantity of substance
If deduplication algorithms are implemented to reduce data redundancy, then storage efficiency improves, but data movement and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deduplication function is extracted from the primary storage array and implemented separately in the virtualized storage array. This extraction allows deduplication to occur without interfering with the primary array's fast storage operations, maintaining productivity while achieving redundancy reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is pre-processed for deduplication in the virtualized storage array before being written to the primary storage array. This preliminary action reduces the amount of data that needs to be stored and accessed in the primary array, improving overall storage operation speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage arrays are used to provide both VVOL support and deduplication, then functional requirements are met, but system complexity and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualized storage array is designed to provide multiple functions: it supports VVOL operations, performs deduplication, and interfaces with the primary storage array. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized arrays, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualized storage array provides deduplication for a primary storage array that supports VVOLs. The VVOLs may be created for VMs that support host applications and guest OSs in a VDI environment. A VVOL is initially created as a virtualized managed drive that is backed by the virtualized storage array. The data is deduped by the virtualized storage array. After deduplication the data is either maintained on the virtualized storage array or moved to the primary storage array based on satisfying deduplication criteria such as reduction ratio.