Write Sort Management in Multiple Storage Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, write sorting operations are often duplicated across multiple storage controllers, leading to unnecessary processing overhead and reduced system performance due to each controller performing its own write sort operations independently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a write sort management system that allows one storage controller to communicate with others to bypass unnecessary write sort operations, assigning write sort tasks based on available processing capacity and using sort/no-sort indicators to determine if a write list search is required, thereby reducing duplication and optimizing processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each storage controller performs independent write sort operations, then each controller can manage its own write list, but write sorting operations are duplicated across multiple controllers leading to unnecessary processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the write sort management function across multiple storage controllers by designating one controller as the write sort manager. This consolidator approach eliminates duplicate write sort operations while maintaining independent write list management. The write sort manager receives write lists from other controllers, performs the sort operation once, and redistributes the sorted data, thereby reducing total processing overhead while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The write sort manager performs multiple functions: it acts as a regular storage controller managing its own write list, simultaneously serves as a sort management coordinator receiving and processing write lists from other controllers, and functions as a redistributor sending sorted data back to requesting controllers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sort management infrastructure while reducing duplication.
2Ease of operation
If write sort operations are performed by each storage controller independently, then controllers operate autonomously, but system performance is reduced due to redundant sorting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The write sort manager acts as an intermediary between controllers that need write list sorting and the controllers that will receive sorted data. Rather than eliminating controller autonomy entirely, the intermediary approach allows controllers to request sort services from the write sort manager when needed, maintaining operational independence while avoiding redundant sorting. The intermediary coordinates the sort operation centrally but preserves the autonomy of individual controllers to initiate and receive sorted data.
3Productivity
If multiple storage controllers perform write sort operations, then each controller can handle its own destaging operations, but unnecessary duplication of write sort operations increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The write sort manager performs write sort operations in advance before data needs to be destaged to storage. By pre-sorting write lists and maintaining sorted buffers, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming sort operations at the moment of destaging. Controllers can immediately access pre-sorted data from the write sort manager, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to handle destaging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of write sort management in accordance with the present disclosure, a sort/no-sort determination is made prior to issuing to a write command to a target storage controller. The write command identifies a write data unit such track write data, for example, of a first write list of write data units to be written to storage locations of storage. The write command further identifies the storage location at which the write data unit of the first write list is to be stored. In one embodiment, the sort/no-sort determination determines whether an insertion point for an entry in a target write list is to be determined as a function of a write list search such as a logarithmic time search for a write list sort. As a result, the write list search for a write list sort, may be selectively either performed or bypassed for insertion of the target write list entry as a function of the sort/no-sort determination Other aspects and advantages are provided, depending upon the particular application.