Writeable PPI Manager Reuse Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

The creation of multiple writeable PPIs in storage systems leads to unnecessary data replication and increased overhead, as only a subset of logical units is typically needed by clients, resulting in inefficient use of computing resources and potential system overload.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a writeable PPI manager that re-uses existing logical units within previously created writeable PPIs, by testing for availability and suitability, thereby reducing the need for new PPI creation and minimizing redundant data storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple writeable PPIs are created to satisfy client requests, then client access requirements are met, but data replication increases and storage overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient access capabilityVSAvoiddata replication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple writeable PPIs into a single shared writeable PPI that can be accessed by multiple clients simultaneously. Instead of creating separate writeable PPIs for each client, the system consolidates them into one shared resource, eliminating redundant data replication while maintaining client access capabilities through coordinated management of the shared PPI.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single writeable PPI universal by enabling it to serve multiple clients and multiple logical units simultaneously. The writeable PPI is designed to be multi-functional, handling requests from different clients and supporting various logical units without requiring separate instances, thereby reducing overall data replication while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple writeable PPIs are created, then client operational requirements are satisfied, but management overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient operational capabilityVSAvoidmanagement overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple management functions into a unified management framework for the shared writeable PPI. Instead of managing separate writeable PPIs for each client, the system implements a single management structure that coordinates access and operations across multiple clients, significantly reducing the complexity of tracking and managing numerous separate PPI instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous writeable PPIs are created from the same volume, then client-specific operations are enabled, but system resources are exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient-specific operation supportVSAvoidsystem resource availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the resource consumption of multiple writeable PPIs into a single shared writeable PPI. By consolidating the storage and computational resources required for multiple PPI instances into one shared resource, the system maintains the ability to support client-specific operations while preserving system resource availability for other tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8370589B1System and method for re-use of writeable PPIs

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 NETAPP INC

AI summary

Techniques introduced herein allow writeable PPIs to be re-used. A writeable PPI manager can make use of existing writeable PPIs to offer logical units to clients without creating additional writeable PPIs. The writeable PPI manager can determine which writeable PPIs to re-use by testing the writeable PPIs for a variety of conditions. Advantageously, re-use of remaining logical units reduces unnecessary replication of data and increased overhead costs. Resources can thereby be conserved.