Virtual Volume Flexibility on Storage Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual volume technology is limited to configuring virtual volumes on a single storage device, lacking flexibility to meet users' demands for massive traffic and clustered operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for storage management that creates virtual volumes across a cluster of storage devices by synchronizing metadata information, allowing for flexible configuration and migration of virtual volumes based on service levels, using protocol endpoints and zero message queue units for communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual volume is configured on a single storage device, then the configuration is simple, but the flexibility and ability to meet massive traffic demands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual volume management system into multiple storage devices forming a cluster, where each device can independently host virtual volumes. This segmentation enables flexible configuration across multiple devices while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage cluster is designed with universal functionality where any storage device in the cluster can serve as a host for virtual volumes. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including volume creation, migration, and access management across the entire cluster, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Speed
If virtual volume metadata is stored locally on each storage device, then access speed is fast, but global visibility and coordination across devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local metadata storage with a global metadata service. Each storage device maintains local metadata for fast access, while simultaneously synchronizing with a centralized metadata repository that provides global visibility. This combination enables both rapid local operations and coordinated cluster-wide management.
Solution Approach 2:
A metadata service acts as an intermediary between local storage devices and the global system. This intermediary coordinates metadata synchronization, ensures consistency across the cluster, and provides global visibility while allowing each device to maintain fast local access to its metadata.
3Reliability
If virtual volume is migrated between storage devices, then service continuity is maintained, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual volume migration process is designed to be self-service, where the system automatically detects service level degradations and initiates migration to appropriate storage devices without requiring manual intervention. This maintains high availability while keeping operations simple through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of storage device service levels and automatically triggers migration when degradation is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures service continuity by proactively migrating volumes before failures occur, while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making and execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage management technique involves: receiving a request for creating a virtual volume, the request at least indicating a size and a service level of the virtual volume; in response to the request, creating the virtual volume on a first storage device; storing metadata information of the virtual volume in a local database that is accessible to the first storage device, the metadata information at least comprising identification information of the virtual volume and identification information of the first storage device; and synchronizing the metadata information to at least one second storage device. Such a technique enables more flexible creation of virtual volumes on a cluster of storage device.