U.S. patent application number 15/625201 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for large scale storage system and method of operating thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to STORONE LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is STORONE LTD.. Invention is credited to Raz GORDON.
Application Number | 20170289298 15/625201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46507514 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170289298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GORDON; Raz |
October 5, 2017 |
LARGE SCALE STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THEREOF
Abstract
There are provided a computer node configured to operate in a
distributed storage system (DSS) comprising interconnected computer
nodes and storage-related resources and a method of operating
thereon. The method comprises: detecting by the computer node in
the DSS an unconnected storage-related resource connectable to the
computer node; searching by a computer node a plug-in required to
meet Service Level Specification (SLS) associated with the computer
node, thereby giving rise to a found plug-in; and upon associating,
by the computer node, the unconnected storage-related resource with
the found plug-in, connecting the unconnected storage-related
resource to the computer node.
Inventors: |
GORDON; Raz; (Hadera,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STORONE LTD. |
Ra'anana |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
STORONE LTD.
Ra'anana
IL
|
Family ID: |
46507514 |
Appl. No.: |
15/625201 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15200839 |
Jul 1, 2016 |
9729666 |
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15625201 |
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13978959 |
Jul 10, 2013 |
9407516 |
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PCT/IL2012/050007 |
Jan 10, 2012 |
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15200839 |
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61431079 |
Jan 10, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 43/04 20130101;
H04L 67/2842 20130101; G06F 2212/284 20130101; G06F 3/067 20130101;
G06F 3/0665 20130101; H04L 43/0876 20130101; H04L 67/1097 20130101;
G06F 12/0871 20130101; H04L 67/1012 20130101; G06F 2212/314
20130101; H04L 67/322 20130101; H04L 41/5051 20130101; G06F
2212/154 20130101; H04L 41/0816 20130101; G06F 2212/263 20130101;
H04L 41/5025 20130101; G06F 3/0604 20130101; G06F 3/0653 20130101;
H04L 43/0817 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/06 20060101
G06F003/06; G06F 12/0871 20060101 G06F012/0871; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04L 12/26 20060101 H04L012/26; H04L 12/24 20060101
H04L012/24 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a computer node in a distributed storage
system (DSS) comprising interconnected computer nodes and
storage-related resources; the method comprising: a. detecting by
the computer node in the DSS an unconnected storage-related
resource connectable to the computer node; b. searching by a
computer node a plug-in required to meet Service Level
Specification (SLS) associated with the computer node, thereby
giving rise to a found plug-in; and c. upon associating, by the
computer node, the unconnected storage-related resource with the
found plug-in, connecting the unconnected storage-related resource
to the computer node.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein searching the plug-in comprises
searching on the computer node and on storage-related resources
connected thereto.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein searching the plug-in further
comprises, when the plug-in is not found on the computer node and
the storage-related resources connected thereto, searching on one
or more other interconnected computer nodes and storage-related
resources connected thereto.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein searching the plug-in further
comprises issuing a plug-in request when the plug-in is not found
on the one or more other interconnected computer nodes and the
storage-related resources connected thereto.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein associating the unconnected
storage-related resource with the found plug-in is provided in
accordance with specification of the found plug-in.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein associating the unconnected
storage-related resource with the found plug-in comprises
installing the found plug-in on a processing resource of the
computer node.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the found plug-in is selected
from a group consisting of data processing plug-ins, storage
feature plug-ins and application plug-ins.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the data processing plug-ins are
selected from a group consisting of data deduplication plug-ins,
data encryption plug-ins, and data compression plug-ins.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the storage feature plug-ins are
selected from a group consisting of content indexing plug-ins,
snapshot management plug-ins, tiering management plug-ins, disaster
recovery plug-ins and continuous data protection plug-ins.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the application plug-ins are
selected from a group consisting of database plug-ins, and
management plug-ins.
11. A computer node configured to operate in a distributed storage
system (DSS) comprising interconnected computer nodes and
storage-related resources; the computer node comprising a
processing resource configured to: a. detect in the DSS an
unconnected storage-related resource connectable to the computer
node; b. search a plug-in required to meet Service Level
Specification (SLS) associated with the computer node, thereby
giving rise to a found plug-in; and c. associate the unconnected
storage-related resource with the found plug-in and connect the
unconnected storage-related resource to the computer node.
12. The computer node of claim 11, wherein searching the plug-in
comprises searching on the computer node and on storage-related
resources connected thereto.
13. The computer node of claim 12, wherein searching the plug-in
further comprises, when the plug-in is not found on the computer
node and on the storage-related resources connected thereto,
searching on one or more other interconnected computer nodes and
storage-related resources connected thereto.
14. The computer node of claim 13, wherein searching the plug-in
further comprises issuing a plug-in request when the plug-in is not
found on the one or more other interconnected computer nodes and
the storage-related resources connected thereto.
15. The computer node of claim 11, wherein the processing resource
is configured to associate the unconnected storage-related resource
with the found plug-in in accordance with specification of the
found plug-in.
16. The computer node of claim 11, wherein associating the
unconnected storage-related resource with the found plug-in
comprises installing the found plug-in on the processing
resource.
17. The computer node of claim 11, wherein the found plug-in is
selected from a group consisting of data processing plug-ins,
storage feature plug-ins and application plug-ins.
18. The computer node of claim 17, wherein the data processing
plug-ins are selected from a group consisting of data deduplication
plug-ins, data encryption plug-ins, and data compression
plug-ins.
19. The computer node of claim 17, wherein the storage feature
plug-ins are selected from a group consisting of content indexing
plug-ins, snapshot management plug-ins, tiering management
plug-ins, disaster recovery plug-ins and continuous data protection
plug-ins.
20. The computer node of claim 17, wherein the application plug-ins
are selected from a group consisting of database plug-ins, and
management plug-ins.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.
15/200,839 filed Jul. 1, 2016, which is a Continuation of
application Ser. No. 13/978,959 filed Jul. 10, 2013, which is a
National Stage Entry of PCT Application No. PCT/IL2012/050007 filed
Jan. 10, 2012, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application
No. 61/431,079 filed Jan. 10, 2011. The disclosures of the prior
applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
FIELD OF PRESENTLY DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER
[0002] The invention relates to large scale storage systems and in
particular to an apparatus and a method for implementing such
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Distributed storage systems have rapidly developed over the
last decade as networks grow in capacity and speed. With networks
expanding from local area networks (LAN) to global wide area
networks (WAN), businesses are becoming more globally distributed,
resulting in a demand for distributed storage systems to provide
data storage and access over remote geographic locations. There is
thus a need in the art for a new method and system for distributing
data storage over a general purpose network.
[0004] Prior art references considered to be relevant as background
to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below.
Acknowledgement of the references herein is not to be inferred as
meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of
the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0005] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0070337, "Apparatus and
Method for a Distributed Storage Global Database", relates to "A
geographically distributed storage system for managing the
distribution of data elements wherein requests for given data
elements incur a geographic inertia. The geographically distributed
storage system comprises geographically distributed sites, each
comprises a site storage unit for locally storing a portion of a
globally coherent distributed database that includes the data
elements and a local access point for receiving requests relating
to ones of the data elements. The geographically distributed
storage system comprises a data management module for forwarding at
least one requested data element to the local access point at a
first of the geographically distributed sites from which the
request is received and storing the at least one requested data
element at the first site, thereby to provide local accessibility
to the data element for future requests from the first site while
maintaining the globally coherency of the distributed
database."
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,505, "Remote Access and Geographically
Distributed Computers in a Globally Addressable Storage
Environment", relates to "A computer system employs a globally
addressable storage environment that allows a plurality of
networked computers to access data by addressing even when the data
is stored on a persistent storage device such as a computer hard
disk and other traditionally non-addressable data storage devices.
The computers can be located on a single computer network or on a
plurality of interconnected computer networks such as two local
area networks (LANs) coupled by a wide area network (WAN). The
globally addressable storage environment allows data to be accessed
and shared by and among the various computers on the plurality of
networks."
[0007] International Journal of Computer Applications 2010
(0975-8887), Volume 1-No. 22, "Unified Virtual Storage:
Virtualization of Distributed Storage in a Network", Ms. S. V.
Patil et al., describes "a way to efficiently utilize free disk
space on Desktop machines connected over a network. In many
networks today, the local disks of a client node are only used
sporadically. This is an attempt to manage the data storages in a
network efficiently and to provide the software support for sharing
of disk space on Desktop machines in LAN. In the current situation,
storage expansion on conventional servers has constraints like,
maximum expansion limitation, costly affair and in case of hardware
replacement, up gradation, the manual relocation of Data becomes
messy. UVS (Unified Virtual Storage) is an attempt to efficiently
utilize freely available disk space on Desktop machines connected
over a network. Its purpose to reduce load of data traffic on
network server, to efficiently utilize space on client nodes
thereby avoiding wastage of space, It also eliminates Hardware
restriction for storage Expansion and provides Location
transparency of data store. The main advantage of UVS is that it
can be seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure
(Local Area Network system). Virtual Storage is virtually infinite
supporting scalable architecture. The client node can use the
Unified Virtual Drive as a single point access for Distributed
Storage across different servers thereby eliminating an individual
addressing of the servers. The performance of prototype implemented
on a UVS Server connected by network and performance is better the
n the centralized system and that the overhead of the framework is
moderate even during high load."
[0008] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0153770, "Dynamic
Structural Management of a Distributed Caching Infrastructure",
relates to "a method, system and computer program product for the
dynamic structural management of an n-Tier distributed caching
infrastructure. In an embodiment of the invention, a method of
dynamic structural management of an n-Tier distributed caching
infrastructure includes establishing a communicative connection to
a plurality of cache servers arranged in respective tier nodes in
an n-Tier cache, collecting performance metrics for each of the
cache servers in the respective tier nodes of the n-Tier cache,
identifying a characteristic of a specific cache resource in a
corresponding one of the tier nodes of the n-Tier crossing a
threshold, and dynamically structuring a set of cache resources
including the specific cache resource to account for the identified
characteristic".
SUMMARY
[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is provided a computer node configured to
being connected to an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, at least one of the interconnected computer nodes
comprising one or more storage-related resources, the computer node
comprising at least one processing resource configured to execute a
Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent, wherein the UDSP
agent is configured to receive a task comprising at least one
assignment; calculate grades for at least one of the assignments in
respect of at least one of the interconnected computer nodes, such
that each grade being indicative of a suitability of a respective
computer node of the interconnected computer nodes to execute a
respective assignment of the assignments while meeting at least one
Service Level Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is
calculated also based on parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the respective computer
node, if any; execute one or more of the assignments or route the
task to a more suitable computer node, based on the calculated
grades;
calculate grades for assignments of following tasks in respect of
at least one added interconnected computer node of an updated
infrastructure layer; the updated infrastructure layer is created
in response to adding at least one additional interconnected
computer node thereto; and execute one or more of the assignments
of following tasks or route the following tasks to a more suitable
computer node of the updated infrastructure layer, based on the
calculated grades.
[0010] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is further provided a computer node
wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of following
tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and the
calculation is performed in respect of at least one added
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0011] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of
following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and
the calculation is performed in respect of at least one
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0012] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the updated infrastructure is created dynamically.
[0013] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein grades are calculated only for pending
assignments.
[0014] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at
least one storage-related resource of the following storage-related
resource categories: cache resources, data storage resources and
network resources.
[0015] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at
least one storage-related resource of each of the following
storage-related resource categories: cache resources, data storage
resources and network resources.
[0016] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the assignment grades are calculated by an
optimization engine.
[0017] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
wherein the optimization engine uses one or more of the following
optimization techniques: Linear programming; Simulated annealing;
Genetic algorithms.
[0018] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the one or more optimization techniques uses
heuristics or approximates.
[0019] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the more suitable computer node is a most suitable
computer node based on the calculated grades.
[0020] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to calculate an
integrated grade based on the calculated assignments grades, and
wherein the execution of one or more of said assignments or routing
the task to a more suitable computer node, is based on the
calculated integrated grade.
[0021] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the task is received from a client server.
[0022] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the task is received from a client server through a
gateway resource.
[0023] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: monitor at
least one parameter indicative of the current state of the computer
node or of the current state of one or more storage-related
resources connected to the computer node, if any; propagate a
notification indicative of a change to the at least one monitored
parameter to at least one of the interconnected computer nodes.
[0024] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to calculate
grades for assignments of following tasks in respect of at least
one modified interconnected computer node of the updated
infrastructure; the updated infrastructure layer includes at least
one modified interconnected computer node; the modification
including at least one of (i) at least one new storage-related
resource is connected to the respective node (ii) at least one
existing storage-related resource is disconnected from the
respective node (iii) at least one existing storage-related
resource is modified; calculate grades for assignments of following
tasks in respect of at least one interconnected computer node
having new storage-related resources connected thereto or having
storage-related resources disconnected therefrom; and
execute one or more of the assignments of following tasks or route
the following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0025] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: receive at
least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising user-defined
storage requirements referring to at least one logical storage
entity, and storage-related resources parameters data relating to
one or more storage-related resources connected to the
interconnected computer nodes; calculate a configuration for the
distributed storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS
and the storage-related resources parameter data; and automatically
allocate at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration.
[0026] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to receive
dynamic behavior parameters data relating to dynamic behavior of
the distributed storage system; upon at least one SLS being
breached, calculate a reconfiguration for the storage system,
based, at least, on the at least one SLS, the storage-related
resources parameter data and the dynamic behavior parameter data;
and automatically allocate at least part of one of the
storage-related resources according to the calculated
reconfiguration.
[0027] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer including interconnected computer nodes, at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes comprising one or more
storage-related resources, the method comprising:
receiving a task comprising at least one assignment; calculating
grades for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least
one of the interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade
being indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of
the interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective
assignment of the assignments while meeting at least one Service
Level Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is calculated also
based on parameters data relating to one or more storage-related
resources connected to the respective computer node, if any;
executing one or more of the assignments or routing the task to a
more suitable computer node, based on the calculated grades;
calculating grades for assignments of following tasks in respect of
at least one added interconnected computer node of an updated
infrastructure layer; the updated infrastructure layer is created
in response to adding at least one additional interconnected
computer node thereto; and executing one or more of the assignments
of following tasks or routing the following tasks to a more
suitable computer node of the updated infrastructure layer, based
on the calculated grades.
[0028] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of following
tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and the
calculation is performed in respect of at least one added
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0029] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of following
tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and the
calculating is performed in respect of at least one interconnected
computer node of the created updated infrastructure layer.
[0030] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the updated infrastructure is created dynamically.
[0031] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein grades are calculated only for pending assignments.
[0032] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at least
one storage-related resource of the following storage-related
resource categories: cache resources, data storage resources and
network resources.
[0033] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at least
one storage-related resource of each of the following
storage-related resource categories: cache resources, data storage
resources and network resources.
[0034] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the calculating grades is performed by an optimization
engine.
[0035] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the optimization engine uses one or more of the following
optimization techniques: Linear programming; Simulated annealing;
Genetic algorithms.
[0036] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more optimization techniques uses heuristics or
approximates.
[0037] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the more suitable computer node is a most suitable computer
node based on the calculated grades.
[0038] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: calculating an integrated grade based on the
calculated assignments grades, and wherein the executing one or
more of the assignments or routing the task to a more suitable
computer node, is based on the calculated integrated grades.
[0039] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the task is received from a client server.
[0040] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the task is received from a client server through a gateway
resource.
[0041] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising monitoring at least one parameter indicative of
the current state of the computer node or of the current state of
one or more storage-related resources connected to the computer
node, if any; propagating a notification indicative of a change to
the at least one monitored parameter to at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes.
[0042] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: calculating grades for assignments of following
tasks in respect of at least one modified interconnected computer
node of the updated infrastructure; the updated infrastructure
layer includes at least one modified interconnected computer node;
the modification including at least one of (i) at least one new
storage-related resource is connected to the respective node (ii)
at least one existing storage-related resource is disconnected from
the respective node (iii) at least one existing storage-related
resource is modified; calculating grades for assignments of
following tasks in respect of at least one interconnected computer
node having new storage-related resources connected thereto or
having storage-related resources disconnected therefrom; and
executing one or more of the assignments of following tasks or
routing the following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the
updated infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0043] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: receiving at least one Service Level
Specification (SLS) comprising user-defined storage requirements
referring to at least one logical storage entity, and
storage-related resources parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the interconnected computer
nodes; calculating a configuration for the distributed storage
system based, at least, on the at least one SLS and the
storage-related resources parameter data; and automatically
allocating at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration.
[0044] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising receiving dynamic behavior parameters data
relating to dynamic behavior of the distributed storage system;
upon at least one SLS being breached, calculating a reconfiguration
for the distributed storage system, based, at least, on the at
least one SLS, the storage-related resources parameter data and the
dynamic behavior parameter data; and automatically allocating at
least part of one of the storage-related resources according to the
calculated reconfiguration.
[0045] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage
system comprising: an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, wherein each one of the interconnected computer
nodes comprising at least one processing resource configured to
execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent; at
least one of the interconnected computer nodes comprising one or
more storage-related resources; the UDSP agent is configured to
receive a task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades
for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least one of
the interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one Service Level
Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is calculated also based
on storage-related resource parameters data relating to one or more
storage related resources connected to the respective computer
node, if any; execute one or more of the assignments or route the
task to a more suitable computer node of the infrastructure layer,
based on the calculated grades; calculate grades for assignments of
following tasks in respect of at least one added interconnected
computer node of an updated infrastructure layer; the updated
infrastructure layer is created in response to adding at least one
additional interconnected computer node thereto; and execute one or
more of the assignments of following tasks or route the following
tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0046] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein while calculating grades for the
assignments of following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is
created, and the calculation is performed in respect of at least
one added interconnected computer node of the created updated
infrastructure layer.
[0047] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein while calculating grades for the
assignments of following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is
created, and the calculation is performed in respect of at least
one interconnected computer node of the created updated
infrastructure layer.
[0048] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the updated infrastructure is
created dynamically.
[0049] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein grades are calculated only for
pending assignments.
[0050] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more storage-related
resources include at least one storage-related resource of the
following storage-related resource categories: cache resources,
data storage resources and network resources.
[0051] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more storage-related
resources include at least one storage-related resource of each of
the following storage-related resource categories: cache resources,
data storage resources and network resources.
[0052] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the assignment grades are
calculated by an optimization engine.
[0053] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the optimization engine uses one
or more of the following optimization techniques: Linear
programming; Simulated annealing; Genetic algorithms.
[0054] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more optimization
techniques uses heuristics or approximates.
[0055] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the more suitable computer node
is a most suitable computer node based on the calculated
grades.
[0056] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to calculate an integrated grade based on the calculated
assignments grades, and wherein the executing one or more of the
assignments or routing the task to a more suitable computer node,
is based on the calculated integrated grades.
[0057] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the task is received from a
client server.
[0058] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the task is received from a
client server through a gateway resource.
[0059] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to monitor at least one parameter indicative of the
current state of the computer node or of the current state of one
or more storage-related resources connected to the computer node,
if any; propagate a notification indicative of a change to the at
least one monitored parameter to at least one of the interconnected
computer nodes.
[0060] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to:
calculate grades for assignments of following tasks in respect of
at least one modified interconnected computer node of the updated
infrastructure; the updated infrastructure layer includes at least
one modified interconnected computer node; the modification
including at least one of (i) at least one new storage-related
resource is connected to the respective node (ii) at least one
existing storage-related resource is disconnected from the
respective node (iii) at least one existing storage-related
resource is modified; calculate grades for assignments of following
tasks in respect of at least one interconnected computer node
having a new storage-related resources connected thereto or having
storage-related resources disconnected therefrom; and execute one
or more of the assignments of following tasks or route the
following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0061] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to:
receive at least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising
user-defined storage requirements referring to at least one logical
storage entity; calculate a configuration for the distributed
storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS and the
storage-related resources parameter data; and automatically
allocate at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration.
[0062] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to:
receive dynamic behavior parameters data relating to dynamic
behavior of the distributed storage system; upon at least one SLS
being breached, calculate a reconfiguration for the distributed
storage system, based, at least, on the at least one SLS, the
storage-related resources parameter data and the dynamic behavior
parameter data; and automatically allocate at least part of one of
the storage-related resources according to the calculated
reconfiguration.
[0063] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage
system comprising: an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, wherein: each one of the interconnected computer
nodes comprising at least one processing resource configured to
execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent; at
least one of the interconnected computer nodes comprising one or
more storage-related resources; the UDSP agent is configured to:
receive a task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades
for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least one of
the interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one Service Level
Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is calculated also based
on parameters data relating to one or more storage related
resources connected to the respective computer node, if any;
execute one or more of the assignments or route the task to a more
suitable computer node of the infrastructure layer, based on the
calculated grades; calculate grades for assignments of following
tasks in respect of at least one modified interconnected computer
node of an updated infrastructure; the updated infrastructure layer
is created in response to a modification of at least one
interconnected computer node; the modification including at least
one of (i) at least one new storage-related resource is connected
to the respective node (ii) at least one existing storage-related
resource is disconnected from the respective node (iii) at least
one existing storage-related resource is modified; calculate grades
for assignments of following tasks in respect of at least one
interconnected computer node having a new storage-related resources
connected thereto or having storage-related resources disconnected
therefrom, giving rise to an updated infrastructure layer; and
execute one or more of the assignments of following tasks or route
the following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0064] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to:
receive dynamic behavior parameters data relating to dynamic
behavior of the distributed storage system; when at least one SLS
requirement is breached, calculate a reconfiguration for the
distributed storage system, based, at least, on the at least one
SLS requirement, the storage-related resources parameter data and
the dynamic behavior parameter data; and automatically allocate at
least part of one of the storage-related resources according to the
calculated reconfiguration.
[0065] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein while calculating grades for the
assignments of following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is
created, and the calculation is performed in respect of at least
one modified interconnected computer node of the created updated
infrastructure layer.
[0066] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein while calculating grades for the
assignments of following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is
created, and the calculation is performed in respect of at least
one interconnected computer node of the created updated
infrastructure layer.
[0067] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the updated infrastructure is
created dynamically.
[0068] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more storage-related
resources include at least one storage-related resource of the
following storage-related resource categories: cache resources,
data storage resources and network resources.
[0069] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer node
configured to being connected to an infrastructure layer including
interconnected computer nodes, at least one of the interconnected
computer nodes comprising one or more storage-related resources,
the computer node comprising: at least one processing resource
configured to execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP)
agent, wherein the UDSP agent is configured to: receive a task
comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades for at least
one of the assignments in respect of at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one Service Level
Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is calculated also based
on parameters data relating to one or more storage related
resources connected to the respective computer node, if any;
execute one or more of the assignments or route the task to a more
suitable computer node of the infrastructure layer, based on the
calculated grades; calculate grades for assignments of following
tasks in respect of at least one modified interconnected computer
node of an updated infrastructure; the updated infrastructure layer
is created in response to a modification of at least one
interconnected computer node; the modification including at least
one of (i) at least one new storage-related resource is connected
to the respective node (ii) at least one existing storage-related
resource is disconnected from the respective node (iii) at least
one existing storage-related resource is modified; calculate grades
for assignments of following tasks in respect of at least one
interconnected computer node having a new storage-related resources
connected thereto or having storage-related resources disconnected
therefrom, giving rise to an updated infrastructure layer; and
execute one or more of the assignments of following tasks or route
the following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0070] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node system wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to:
receive dynamic behavior parameters data relating to dynamic
behavior of the storage system; when at least one SLS requirement
is breached, calculate a reconfiguration for the distributed
storage system, based, at least, on the at least one SLS
requirement, the storage-related resources parameter data and the
dynamic behavior parameter data; and automatically allocate at
least part of one of the storage-related resources according to the
calculated reconfiguration.
[0071] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node system wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of
following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and
the calculation is performed in respect of at least one modified
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0072] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node system wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of
following tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and
the calculation is performed in respect of at least one
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0073] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node system wherein the updated infrastructure is created
dynamically.
[0074] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node system wherein the one or more storage-related resources
include at least one storage-related resource of the following
storage-related resource categories: cache resources, data storage
resources and network resources.
[0075] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer including interconnected computer nodes, at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes comprising one or more
storage-related resources, the method comprising:
receiving a task comprising at least one assignment; calculating
grades for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least
one of the interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade
being indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of
the interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective
assignment of the assignments while meeting at least one Service
Level Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade is calculated also
based on parameters data relating to one or more storage related
resources connected to the respective computer node, if any;
executing one or more of the assignments or routing the task to a
more suitable computer node of the infrastructure layer, based on
the calculated grades; calculating grades for assignments of
following tasks in respect of at least one modified interconnected
computer node of an updated infrastructure layer; the updated
infrastructure layer is created in response to a modification of at
least one interconnected computer node; the modification including
at least one of (i) at least one new storage-related resource is
connected to the respective node (ii) at least one existing
storage-related resource is disconnected from the respective node
(iii) at least one existing storage-related resource is modified;
calculating grades for assignments of following tasks in respect of
at least one interconnected computer node having a new
storage-related resources connected thereto or having
storage-related resources disconnected therefrom, giving rise to an
updated infrastructure layer; and executing one or more of the
assignments of following tasks or routing the following tasks to a
more suitable computer node of the updated infrastructure layer,
based on the calculated grades.
[0076] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising receiving dynamic behavior parameters data
relating to dynamic behavior of the storage system; when at least
one SLS requirement is breached, calculating a reconfiguration for
the distributed storage system, based, at least, on the at least
one SLS requirement, the storage-related resources parameter data
and the dynamic behavior parameter data; and automatically
allocating at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated reconfiguration.
[0077] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of following
tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and the
calculating is performed in respect of at least one modified
interconnected computer node of the created updated infrastructure
layer.
[0078] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein while calculating grades for the assignments of following
tasks, the updated infrastructure layer is created, and the
calculating is performed in respect of at least one interconnected
computer node of the created updated infrastructure layer.
[0079] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the updated infrastructure is created dynamically.
[0080] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at least
one storage-related resource of the following storage-related
resource categories: cache resources, data storage resources and
network resources.
[0081] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer node
configured to being connected to an infrastructure layer of a
distributed storage system, the infrastructure layer including
interconnected computer nodes, the computer node comprising: at
least one processing resource configured to execute a Unified
Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent, wherein the UDSP agent
is configured to:
receive at least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising
user-defined storage requirements referring to at least one logical
storage entity, and storage-related resources parameters data
relating to one or more storage-related resources connected to the
interconnected computer nodes; calculate a configuration for the
distributed storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS
and said storage-related resources parameter data; automatically
allocate at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration; receive dynamic behavior
parameters data relating to dynamic behavior of the distributed
storage system; upon at least one SLS being breached, calculate a
reconfiguration for the distributed storage system, based, at
least, on the at least one SLS, the storage-related resources
parameter data and the dynamic behavior parameter data; and
automatically allocate at least part of one of the storage-related
resources according to the calculated reconfiguration.
[0082] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: receive a
task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades for at
least one of the assignments in respect of at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one user-defined
storage-related requirement of the SLS, the grade is calculated
also based on parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the respective computer
node, if any; execute one or more of the assignments or route the
task to a more suitable computer node, based on the calculated
grades; calculate grades for assignments of following tasks in
respect of at least one added interconnected computer node of an
updated infrastructure layer; the updated infrastructure layer is
created in response to adding at least one additional
interconnected computer node thereto; and execute one or more of
the assignments of following tasks or route the following tasks to
a more suitable computer node of the updated infrastructure layer,
based on the calculated grades.
[0083] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the configuration is calculated by an optimization
engine.
[0084] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the optimization engine uses one or more of the
following optimization techniques: Linear programming; Simulated
annealing; Genetic algorithms.
[0085] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the one or more optimization techniques uses
heuristics or approximates.
[0086] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the storage requirements include at least one of:
location; local protection level; backup retention policy; remote
protection level; performance levels; encryption level;
de-duplication; compression; storage method.
[0087] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at
least one storage-related resource of the following storage-related
resource categories: cache resources, data storage resources and
network resources.
[0088] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the storage-related resources are distributed among at
least two locations.
[0089] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the configuration includes over committing the storage
system resources.
[0090] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured, in response to a
failure to determine the configuration, to provide a user with a
failure notification or with a recommendation indicative of an
addition of at least one additional storage-related resource which
will allow successful calculation of a configuration.
[0091] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer including interconnected computer nodes, at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes comprising one or more
storage-related resources, the method comprising:
receiving at least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising
user-defined storage requirements referring to at least one logical
storage entity, and storage-related resources parameters data
relating to one or more storage-related resources connected to the
interconnected computer nodes; calculating a configuration for the
distributed storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS
and the storage-related resources parameter data; automatically
allocating at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration; receiving dynamic
behavior parameters data relating to dynamic behavior of the
distributed storage system; upon at least one SLS being breached,
calculating a reconfiguration for the distributed storage system,
based, at least, on the at least one SLS, the storage-related
resources parameter data and the dynamic behavior parameter data;
and automatically allocating at least part of one of the
storage-related resources according to the calculated
reconfiguration.
[0092] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: receiving a task comprising at least one
assignment; calculating grades for at least one of the assignments
in respect of at least one of the interconnected computer nodes,
such that each grade being indicative of a suitability of a
respective computer node of the interconnected computer nodes to
execute a respective assignment of the assignments while meeting at
least one Service Level Specification (SLS) requirement, the grade
is calculated also based on parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the respective computer
node, if any; executing one or more of the assignments or route the
task to a more suitable computer node, based on the calculated
grades; calculating grades for assignments of following tasks in
respect of at least one added interconnected computer node of an
updated infrastructure layer; the updated infrastructure layer is
created in response to adding at least one additional
interconnected computer node thereto; and executing one or more of
the assignments of following tasks or routing the following tasks
to a more suitable computer node of the updated infrastructure
layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0093] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the calculating a configuration is performed by an
optimization engine.
[0094] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the optimization engine uses one or more of the following
optimization techniques: Linear programming; Simulated annealing;
Genetic algorithms.
[0095] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more optimization techniques uses heuristics or
approximates.
[0096] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the storage requirements include at least one of: location;
local protection level; backup retention policy; remote protection
level; performance levels; encryption level; de-duplication;
compression; storage method.
[0097] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the one or more storage-related resources include at least
one storage-related resource of the following storage-related
resource categories: cache resources, data storage resources and
network resources.
[0098] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the storage-related resources are distributed among at
least two locations.
[0099] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the configuration includes over committing the storage
system resources.
[0100] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: in response to a failure to determine the
configuration, providing a user with a failure notification or with
a recommendation indicative of an addition of at least one
additional resource which will allow successful calculation of a
configuration.
[0101] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage
system comprising: an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, wherein: each one of the interconnected computer
nodes comprising at least one processing resource configured to
execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent;
wherein the UDSP agent is configured to: receive at least one
Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising user-defined storage
requirements referring to at least one logical storage entity, and
storage-related resources parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the interconnected computer
nodes; calculate a configuration for the distributed storage system
based, at least, on the at least one SLS and the storage-related
resources parameter data; automatically allocate at least part of
one of the storage-related resources according to the calculated
configuration; receive dynamic behavior parameters data relating to
dynamic behavior of the distributed storage system; upon at least
one SLS being breached, calculate a reconfiguration for the
distributed storage system, based, at least, on the at least one
SLS, said storage-related resources parameter data and the dynamic
behavior parameter data; and automatically allocate at least part
of one of the storage-related resources according to the calculated
reconfiguration.
[0102] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured to:
receive a task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades
for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least one of
the interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one user-defined storage
requirement of the SLS, the grade is calculated also based on
parameters data relating to one or more storage-related resources
connected to the respective computer node, if any; execute one or
more of the assignments or route the task to a more suitable
computer node, based on the calculated grades; calculate grades for
assignments of following tasks in respect of at least one added
interconnected computer node of an updated infrastructure layer;
the updated infrastructure layer is created in response to adding
at least one additional interconnected computer node thereto; and
execute one or more of the assignments of following tasks or route
the following tasks to a more suitable computer node of the updated
infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0103] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the configuration is calculated
by an optimization engine.
[0104] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the optimization engine uses one
or more of the following optimization techniques: Linear
programming; Simulated annealing; Genetic algorithms.
[0105] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more optimization
techniques uses heuristics or approximates.
[0106] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the storage requirements include
at least one of: location; local protection level; backup retention
policy; remote protection level; performance levels; encryption
level; de-duplication; compression; storage method.
[0107] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the one or more storage-related
resources include at least one storage-related resource of the
following storage-related resource categories: cache resources,
data storage resources and network resources.
[0108] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the storage-related resources
are distributed among at least two locations.
[0109] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the configuration includes over
committing the storage system resources.
[0110] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured, in response to a failure to determine the
configuration, to provide a user with a failure notification or
with a recommendation indicative of an addition of at least one
additional resource which will allow successful calculation of a
configuration.
[0111] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage
system comprising: an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, wherein: each one of the interconnected computer
nodes comprising at least one processing resource configured to
execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent;
wherein the UDSP agent is configured to: receive at least one
Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising user-defined storage
requirements referring to at least one logical storage entity, and
storage-related resources parameters data relating to one or more
storage-related resources connected to the interconnected computer
nodes; calculate a configuration for the distributed storage system
based, at least, on the at least one SLS and the storage-related
resources parameter data; and automatically allocate at least part
of one of the storage-related resources according to the calculated
configuration.
[0112] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer node
configured to being connected to an infrastructure layer of a
distributed storage system, the infrastructure layer including
interconnected computer nodes, the computer node comprising: at
least one processing resource configured to execute a Unified
Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent, wherein the UDSP agent
is configured to:
receive at least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising
user-defined storage requirements referring to at least one logical
storage entity, and storage-related resources parameters data
relating to one or more storage-related resources connected to the
interconnected computer nodes; calculate a configuration for the
distributed storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS
and the storage-related resources parameter data; and automatically
allocate at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration.
[0113] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer of a distributed storage system, the infrastructure layer
including interconnected computer nodes, the method comprising:
receiving at least one Service Level Specification (SLS) comprising
user-defined storage requirements referring to at least one logical
storage entity, and storage-related resources parameters data
relating to one or more storage-related resources connected to the
interconnected computer nodes; calculating a configuration for the
storage system based, at least, on the at least one SLS and the
storage-related resources parameter data; and automatically
allocating at least part of one of the storage-related resources
according to the calculated configuration.
[0114] In accordance with an of the presently disclosed subject
matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage system
comprising: an infrastructure layer including interconnected
computer nodes, wherein: each one of the computer nodes comprising
at least one processing resource configured to execute a Unified
Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent; at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes comprising one or more other
storage-related resources; the UDSP agent is configured to: receive
a task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades for at
least one of the assignments in respect of at least one of the
interconnected computer nodes, such that each grade being
indicative of a suitability of a respective computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective assignment of
the assignments while meeting at least one Service Level
Specification (SLS) requirement; and execute one or more of the
assignments or route the task to a more suitable computer node of
the infrastructure layer, based on the calculated grades.
[0115] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer node
configured to being connected to an infrastructure layer including
interconnected computer nodes comprising: at least one processing
resource configured to execute a Unified Distributed Storage
Platform (UDSP) agent, wherein the UDSP agent is configured to:
receive a task comprising at least one assignment; calculate grades
for at least one of the assignments in respect of at least one
other computer node connected to the infrastructure layer and
comprising one or more storage-related resources, such that each
grade being indicative of a suitability of a respective computer
node of the interconnected computer nodes to execute a respective
assignment of the assignments while meeting at least one Service
Level Specification (SLS) requirement; and execute one or more of
the assignments or route the task to a more suitable computer node,
based on the calculated grades.
[0116] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer including interconnected computer nodes, the method
comprising: receiving a task comprising at least one assignment;
calculating grades for at least one of the assignments in respect
of at least one other computer node connected to the infrastructure
layer and comprising one or more storage-related resources, such
that each grade being indicative of a suitability of a respective
computer node of the interconnected computer nodes to execute a
respective assignment of the assignments while meeting at least one
Service Level Specification (SLS) requirement; and executing one or
more of the assignments or routing the task to a more suitable
computer node, based on the calculated grades.
[0117] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a distributed storage
system comprising interconnected computer nodes; each one of the
computer nodes comprising at least one processing resource
configured to execute a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP)
agent; at least one of the computer nodes comprising one or more
resources including at least one cache resource configured to cache
objects and having corresponding cache-related parameters; at least
one UDSP agent of a respective computer node having the at least
one cache resource is configured to: monitor cache-related
parameters of the at least one cache resource connected to the
respective computer node, for determining whether the cache-related
parameters meet at least one first SLS criteria; and in the case
the at least one first SLS criteria is not met, initiate handoff of
at least part of one or more cache object spaces of the at least
one cache resource to at least one other computer node, which after
receiving the at least part of one or more cache object spaces, its
cache-related parameters meet at least one second SLS criteria.
[0118] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system, wherein each UDSP agent of the
respective computer node having the at least one cache resource is
further configured to: monitor that the cache-related parameters
meet at least one third SLS criteria indicative of underutilization
of the corresponding cache resources; and in the case of meeting
the at least one third SLS criteria, initiate handoff of at least
part of one or more cache object spaces of the at least one cache
resource to the at least one other computer node, which after
receiving the at least part of one or more cache object spaces, its
cache-related parameters meet the at least one second SLS
criteria.
[0119] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system, wherein first computer nodes having
respective UDSP data repositories, such that a UDSP data repository
of a first computer node includes data on cache-related parameters
corresponding to one or more cache resources of second computer
nodes; the UDSP agent of the first computer node is configured to:
monitor the cache-related parameters according to data extracted
from its UDSP data repository in respect of one or more cache
resources of at least one second computer node, for determining
whether the cache-related parameters of a respective second
computer node meet at least one first SLS criteria; and in the case
the at least one first SLS criteria is not met, initiate a message
to the respective second computer node including at least one of
the cache-related parameters of the respective second computer node
as extracted from the UDSP data repository of the first computer
node, thereby allowing the respective second computer node to
determine if the cache-related parameters received from the first
computer node are preferable over the cache-related parameters of
the second computer node.
[0120] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the first computer node has the
at least one cache resource connected thereto.
[0121] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP data repository of the
first computer node includes data also on self cache-related
parameters corresponding to cache resources of the first computer
node.
[0122] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent is further
configured, in response to a failure to initiate the handoff, to
provide a user with a failure notification or with a recommendation
indicative of an addition of at least one additional cache resource
allowing successful initiation of a handoff.
[0123] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system, wherein gateway resources or client
servers, having respective UDSP data repositories, such that a UDSP
data repository of a gateways resource or a client server includes
data on cache-related parameters corresponding to one or more cache
resources of computer nodes; the UDSP agent of the gateways
resource or the client server is further configured to: monitor the
cache-related parameters according to data extracted from its UDSP
data repository in respect of one or more cache resources of at
least one computer node, for determining whether the cache-related
parameters of a respective computer node meet at least one first
SLS criteria; and in the case the at least one first SLS criteria
is not met, initiate a message to the respective computer node
including at least one of the cache-related parameters of the
respective computer node as extracted from the UDSP data repository
of the gateways resource or the client server, thereby allowing the
respective computer node to determine if the cache-related
parameters received from the gateways resource or the client server
are more preferable over the cache-related parameters of the
computer node.
[0124] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system, wherein the UDSP agent of the
respective computer node is further configured to: create a
post-handoff cache mapping indicative of new locations of the at
least part of one or more cache object spaces; send the
post-handoff cache mapping to the other computer node and to one or
more client servers associated with the at least part of one or
more cache object spaces, if any; and transfer ownership of the at
least part of one or more cache object spaces to the other computer
node.
[0125] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a
distributed storage system wherein the UDSP agent of the respective
computer node is further configured to: receive a request relating
to an object within the post-handoff cache mapping, during the
handoff; if the object is not owned by the respective computer node
according to the post-handoff cache mapping and the respective
computer node does not have ownership of the object, relay the
request to the other computer node.
[0126] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer node
configured to being connected to an infrastructure layer including
interconnected computer nodes, the computer node comprising: at
least one cache resource configured to cache objects and having
corresponding cache-related parameters;
at least one processing resource configured to execute a Unified
Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP) agent, wherein the UDSP agent
is configured to: monitor cache-related parameters of the at least
one cache resource connected to the computer node, for determining
whether the cache-related parameters meet at least one first SLS
criteria; and in the case the at least one first SLS criteria is
not met, initiate handoff of at least part of one or more cache
object spaces of the at least one cache resource to at least one
other computer node of the interconnected computer nodes, which
after receiving the at least part of one or more cache object
spaces, its cache-related parameters meet at least one second SLS
criteria.
[0127] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node, wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: monitor that
the cache-related parameters meet at least one third SLS criteria
indicative of underutilization of the corresponding cache
resources; and in the case of meeting the at least one third SLS
criteria, initiate handoff of at least part of one or more cache
object spaces of the at least one cache resource to the at least
one other computer node of the interconnected computer nodes, which
after receiving the at least part of one or more cache object
spaces, its cached parameters meet the at least one second SLS
criteria.
[0128] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node, wherein the computer node further comprises a UDSP data
repository including data on cache-related parameters corresponding
to one or more cache resources of at least one other computer node
of the interconnected computer nodes; and wherein the UDSP agent is
further configured to: monitor the cache-related parameters
according to data extracted from its UDSP data repository in
respect of the one or more cache resources of at least one other
computer node, for determining whether the cache-related parameters
of a respective other computer node meet at least one first SLS
criteria; and in the case the at least one first SLS criteria is
not met, initiate a message to the respective other computer node
including at least one of the cache-related parameters of the
respective other computer node as extracted from the UDSP data
repository, thereby allowing the respective other computer node to
determine if the cache-related parameters received from the
computer node are preferable over the cache-related parameters of
the other computer node.
[0129] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP data repository includes data also on self
cache-related parameters corresponding to cache resources of the
computer node.
[0130] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured, in response to a
failure to initiate the handoff, to provide a user with a failure
notification or with a recommendation indicative of an addition of
at least one additional cache resource allowing successful
initiation of a handoff.
[0131] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node, wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: create a
post-handoff cache mapping indicative of new locations of the at
least part of one or more cache object spaces; send the
post-handoff cache mapping to the other computer node and to one or
more client servers associated with the at least part of one or
more cache object spaces, if any; and transfer ownership of the at
least part of one or more cache object spaces to the other computer
node.
[0132] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a computer
node wherein the UDSP agent is further configured to: receive a
request relating to an object within the post-handoff cache
mapping, during the handoff; if the object is not owned by the
respective computer node according to the post-handoff cache
mapping and the respective computer node does not have ownership of
the object, relay the request to the other computer node.
[0133] In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed
subject matter, there is yet further provided a method of operating
a computer node having at least one cache resource connected
thereto, and configured to being connected to an infrastructure
layer including interconnected computer nodes, the method
comprising: monitoring cache-related parameters of the at least one
cache resource having corresponding cache-related parameters and
configured to cache objects, for determining whether the
cache-related parameters meet at least one first SLS criteria; and
in the case the at least one first SLS criteria is not met,
initiating handoff of at least part of one or more cache object
spaces of the at least one cache resource to at least one other
computer node of the interconnected computer nodes, which after
receiving the at least part of one or more cache object spaces, its
cache-related parameters meet at least one second SLS criteria.
[0134] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method,
further comprising: monitoring that the cache-related parameters
meet at least one third SLS criteria indicative of underutilization
of the corresponding cache resources; and in the case of meeting
the at least one third SLS criteria, initiating handoff of at least
part of one or more cache object spaces of the at least one cache
resource to the at least one other computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes, which after receiving the at least
part of one or more cache object spaces, its cached parameters meet
the at least one second SLS criteria.
[0135] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method,
wherein the computer node further comprises a UDSP data repository
including data on cache-related parameters corresponding to one or
more cache resources of the at least one other computer node of the
interconnected computer nodes; the method further comprising:
monitoring the cache-related parameters according to data extracted
from its UDSP data repository in respect of one or more cache
resources of at least one other computer node, for determining
whether the cache-related parameters of a respective other computer
node meet at least one first SLS criteria; and in the case the at
least one first SLS criteria is not met, initiating a message to
the respective other computer node including at least one of the
cache-related parameters of the respective other computer node as
extracted from the UDSP data repository, thereby allowing the
respective other computer node to determine if the cache-related
parameters received from the computer node are preferable over the
cache-related parameters of the other computer node.
[0136] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
wherein the UDSP data repository includes data also on self
cache-related parameters corresponding to cache resources of the
computer node.
[0137] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising, in response to a failure to initiate the
handoff, providing a user with a failure notification or with a
recommendation indicative of an addition of at least one additional
cache resource allowing successful initiation of a handoff.
[0138] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method,
further comprising: creating a post-handoff cache mapping
indicative of new locations of the at least part of one or more
cache object spaces; sending the post-handoff cache mapping to the
other computer node and to one or more client servers associated
with the at least part of one or more cache object spaces or parts
thereof, if any; and
transferring ownership of the at least part of one or more cache
object spaces to the other computer node.
[0139] In accordance with certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter, there is yet further provided a method
further comprising: receiving a request relating to an object
within the post-handoff cache mapping, during the handoff; if the
object is not owned by the respective computer node according to
the post-handoff cache mapping and the respective computer node
does not have ownership of the object, relaying the request to the
other computer node.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0140] In order to understand the presently disclosed subject
matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the
subject matter will now be described, by way of non-limiting
examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0141] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a top-level architecture of
a Distributed Storage System including an Infrastructure Layer,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0142] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a simplified, exemplary
system for configuring a Distributed Storage System, according to
the presently disclosed subject matter;
[0143] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a simplified and exemplary
flow diagram of an optimization process performed by the
objective-based management system, according to the presently
disclosed subject matter;
[0144] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a simplified flow diagram
of an exemplary operational algorithm of a configuration process
performed by the objective-based management system, according to
the presently disclosed subject matter;
[0145] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an
exemplary computer node connected to the Distributed Storage
System, according to certain examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter;
[0146] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for creating a task, according to certain examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter;
[0147] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for creating an exemplary storage block-write task,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter.
[0148] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for managing a task received by a UDSP agent, according
to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;
[0149] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for grading nodes suitability to execute pending task
assignments, according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter;
[0150] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for executing pending assignments on a computer node,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter
[0151] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for managing reconfigurations of Distributed Storage
System (DSS), according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter;
[0152] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for monitoring local parameters of a computer node and
resources connected thereto, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter;
[0153] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for detecting and managing resources connected to a
computer node, according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter;
[0154] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for connecting a new computer node to Distributed
Storage System (DSS), according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter;
[0155] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for receiving a notification from a remote computer
node and updating a Unified Distributed Storage Platform (UDSP)
data repository accordingly, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter;
[0156] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a
cache management module, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter;
[0157] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for managing local cache resources of a computer node,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter;
[0158] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for managing remote cache resources of remote computer
nodes, according to certain examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter;
[0159] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates various scenarios of
distributing cache resources, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0160] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for performing a cache handoff by a handoff initiator,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter;
[0161] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for performing a cache handoff by a handoff target,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter;
[0162] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for handling an object related request received by a
handoff initiator during handoff, according to certain examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter; and
[0163] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
carried out for handling an object related request received by a
handoff target during handoff, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0164] In the drawings and descriptions set forth, identical
reference numerals indicate those components that are common to
different embodiments or configurations.
[0165] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "receiving",
"calculating", "executing", "routing", "monitoring", "propagating",
"allocating", "providing" or the like, include action and/or
processes of a computer that manipulate and/or transform data into
other data, said data represented as physical quantities, e.g. such
as electronic quantities, and/or said data representing the
physical objects. The term "computer" should be expansively
construed to cover any kind of electronic device with data
processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example,
a personal computer, a server, a computing system, a communication
device, a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a
microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), any other
electronic computing device, and or any combination thereof.
[0166] The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may
be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired
purposes or by a general purpose computer specially configured for
the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a computer
readable storage medium.
[0167] As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for
instance" and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of
the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the
specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or
variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is
included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed
subject matter. Thus the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some
cases", "other cases" or variants thereof does not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment(s).
[0168] It is appreciated that certain features of the presently
disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the
context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of
the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity,
described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be
provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
[0169] In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter,
fewer, more and/or different stages than those shown in FIGS. 3, 4,
6-18 and 20-23 may be executed. In embodiments of the presently
disclosed subject matter one or more stages illustrated in FIGS. 3,
4, 6-18 and 20-23 may be executed in a different order and/or one
or more groups of stages may be executed simultaneously. FIGS. 1,
2, 5 and 19 illustrate a general schematic of the system
architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the presently
disclosed subject matter. Each module in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 19 can
be made up of any combination of software, hardware and/or firmware
that performs the functions as defined and explained herein. The
modules in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 19 may be centralized in one location
or dispersed over more than one location. In other embodiments of
the presently disclosed subject matter, the system may comprise
fewer, more, and/or different modules than those shown in FIGS. 1,
2, 5 and 19.
[0170] Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to FIG. 1, which
schematically illustrates a top-level architecture of a Distributed
Storage System including an Infrastructure Layer, according to the
presently disclosed subject matter. According to examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter, Distributed Storage System
(DSS) 200 can comprise one or more of the following layers: an
Infrastructure Layer 201, a Unified Distributed Storage Platform
(UDSP) layer 202, and an API/framework layer 203.
[0171] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, infrastructure layer 201 can include one or more
interconnected computer nodes 205 (e.g. any type of computer
including, inter alia, one or more processing resources such as one
or more processing units, one or more memory resources such as a
memory, and one or more network interfaces), and in some cases two
or more interconnected computer nodes 205, on which a more detailed
description is provided herein, inter alia with reference to FIG.
5. Infrastructure layer 201 can further include one or more of the
following storage-related resources: (a) data storage resources
(e.g. data storage device 204, RAID (redundant array of independent
disks) 206, DAS (direct attached storage) 208, JBOD (just a bunch
of drives) 210, network storage appliance 207 (e.g. SAN, NAS,
etc.), SSD 213, etc.); (b) cache resources 212 such as memory
resources (e.g. RAM, DRAM, etc.), volatile and/or non-volatile,
and/or a data storage resources (e.g. SSD 213) that in some cases
can be used additionally or alternatively as a cache resource),
etc.; (c) network resources 214; and (d) additional resources
providing further functionality to the DSS 200 and/or enhance its
performance (such as compression accelerator, encryption
accelerator 209, H-lost Bus adapter (HBA) enabling communication
with SAN resources, etc.).
[0172] In some cases, the resources can include more than one of a
same type of device, and/or more than one of a different type of
device. A more detailed description of some of the resources will
follow herein.
[0173] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, the computer nodes 205 can be interconnected by a
network (e.g. a general-purpose network).
[0174] In some cases, one or more of the resources of the
infrastructure layer 201 can be connected to one or more computer
nodes 205 directly. In some cases, one or more of the resources of
the infrastructure layer 201 can be comprised within a computer
node 205 and form a part thereof. In some cases, one or more of the
resources of the infrastructure layer 201 can be connected (e.g. by
a logical connection such as iSCSI 222, etc.) to one or more of the
computer nodes 205 by a network (e.g. a general-purpose
network).
[0175] Optionally, the network can be a general-purpose network.
Optionally, the network can include a WAN. Optionally, the WAN can
be a global WAN such as, for example, the Internet. Optionally, the
network resources can interconnect using an IP network
infrastructure. Optionally, the network can be a Storage Area
Network (SAN). Optionally, the network can include storage
virtualization. Optionally, the network can include a LAN.
Optionally, the network infrastructure can include Ethernet,
Infiniband, FC (Fibre Channel) 217, FCoE (Fibre Channel over
Ethernet), etc., or any combination of two or more network
infrastructures. Optionally, the network can be any type of network
known in the art, including a general purpose network and/or a
storage network. Optionally, the network can be any network
suitable for applying an objective-based management system for
allocating and managing resources within the network, as further
detailed herein. Optionally, the network can be a combination of
any two or more network types (including, inter alia, the network
types disclosed herein).
[0176] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, at least one resource of the infrastructure layer
201 (including, inter alia, the computer nodes 205, the data
storage resources, the cache resources, the network resources,
additional resources connected to a computer node 205, or any other
resources) can be an off-the-shelf, commodity, not purposely-built
resource connected to the network and/or to one or more computer
nodes 205. It is to be noted that such a resource can be
interconnected as detailed herein, irrespective of the resource
characteristics such as, for example, manufacturer, size, computing
power, capacity, etc. Thus, any resource (including, inter alia,
the computer nodes 205), irrespective of its manufacturer, which
can communicate with a computer node 205, can be connected to the
infrastructure layer 201 and utilized by the DSS 200 as further
detailed herein. In some cases any number of resources (including,
inter alia, the computer nodes 205) can be connected to the network
and/or to one or more computer nodes 205 and utilized by the DSS
200, thus enabling scalability of the DSS 200. In some cases, any
number of computer nodes 205 can be connected to the network and
any number of resources can be connected to one or more computer
nodes 205 and utilized by the DSS 200, thus enabling scalability of
the DSS 200. It is to be noted that a more detailed explanation
about the process of connecting new resources (including, inter
alia, the computer nodes 205) to the DSS 200 is further detailed
herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 5.
[0177] Turning to the UDSP layer 202, according to some examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter, it can include one or more
UDSP agents 220 that can be installed on (or otherwise associated
with or comprised within) one or more of the computer nodes 205. In
some cases, a UDSP agent 220 can be installed on (or otherwise
associated with) each of the computer nodes 205. In some cases, a
UDSP agent 220 can be additionally installed on (or otherwise
associated with) one or more of gateway resources 216 (that can
act, inter alia, as protocol converters as further detailed
herein), and in some cases, on each of the gateway resources 216.
In some cases, a UDSP agent 220 can be additionally installed on
(or otherwise associated with) one or more of the client servers
218 (e.g. servers and/or other devices connected to the DSS 200 as
clients), and in some cases, on each of the client servers 218. It
is to be noted that in some cases, client servers 218 can interact
with DSS 200 directly without a need for any gateway resources 216
that are optional. It is to be further noted that in some cases
there can be a difference in the UDSP agent 220 (e.g. a difference
in its functionality and/or its capability, etc.) according to its
installation location or its association (e.g. there can be a
difference between a UDSP agent 220 installed on, or otherwise
associated with, a computer node 205, a UDSP agent 220 installed
on, or otherwise associated with, a gateway resources 216, a UDSP
agent 220 installed on, or otherwise associated with, a client
server 218, etc.).
[0178] It is to be noted that a detailed description of the UDSP
agents 220 is provided herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 5.
Having said that, it is to be noted that according to some examples
of the presently disclosed subject matter, UDSP agents 220 can be
configured to control and manage various operations of DSS 200
(including, inter alia, automatically allocating and managing the
resources of the Infrastructure Layer 201, handling data-path
operations, etc.). In some cases, UDSP agents 220 can be configured
to manage a connection of a new computer node 205 to the
Infrastructure Layer 201 of DSS 200. In some cases, UDSP agents 220
can be configured to detect resources connected to the computer
node 205 on which they are installed and to manage such resources.
As indicated above, a more detailed description of the UDSP agents
220 is provided herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 5.
[0179] In some cases, UDSP layer 202 can include UDSP 225 which
includes a management system for DSS 200. Optionally, management
system processing can be implemented through one or more UDSP
agents 220 installed on the computer nodes 205 in Infrastructure
Layer 201, or through one or more UDSP agents 220 installed on a
gateway resource 216 or on a client server 218 with access to DSS
200 (e.g. directly and/or through gateway resources 216), or any
combination thereof.
[0180] Management system can enable a user to perform various
management tasks (including, inter alia monitoring and reporting
tasks) relating to DSS 200, such as, creating new logical storage
entities (such as Logical Units, Object Stores, file system
instances, etc.) that can be associated with Service Level
Specifications (SLSs) (in some cases, each logical storage entity
is associated with a single SLS), updating logical storage
entities, granting access permissions of logical storage entities
to gateway resources 216 and/or to client servers 218, creating
snapshots, creating backups, failover to remote site, failback to
primary site, monitoring dynamic behavior of DSS 200, monitoring
SLSs compliance, generation of various (e.g. pre-defined and/or
user-defined, etc.) reports (e.g. performance reports, resource
availability reports, inventory reports, relationship reports
indicative of relationships between computer nodes 205 and other
resources, trend reports and forecast reports of various parameters
including Key Performance Indicators, etc.) referring to different
scopes of the DSS 200 (e.g. in the resolution of the entire DSS
200, certain sites, certain types of use such as for a certain SLS,
certain resources, etc.), managing various alerts provided by DSS
200 (e.g. alerts of failed hardware, etc.), etc. It is to be noted
that the above management tasks are provided as non-limiting
examples only. It is to be noted that in some cases, the logical
storage entities can be created automatically by DSS 200 according
to the SLS, as further detailed herein. It is to be noted that each
of the logical storage entities can be associated with one or more
data storage resources.
[0181] It is to be noted that throughout the specification, when
reference is made to a user, this can refer to a human operator
such as a system administrator, or to any type of auxiliary entity.
An auxiliary entity can refer for example to an external
application such as an external management system, including an
auxiliary entity that does not require any human intervention,
etc.
[0182] In some cases, management system can enable a user to
provide DSS 200 with user-defined storage requirements defining a
service level specification (SLS) specifying various requirements
that the user requires the DSS 200 to meet. In some cases, the SLS
can be associated with a logical storage entity. Optionally, the
SLS can include information such as, for example, specifications of
one or more geographical locations where the data is to be stored
and/or handled; a local protection level defining availability,
retention, recovery parameters (e.g. RPO--Recovery Point Objective,
RTO--Recovery Time Objective); a backup retention policy defining
for how long information should be retained; a remote protection
level for disaster recovery (DR) defining one or more remote
geographical locations in order to achieve specified availability,
retention and recovery goals under various disaster scenarios;
local and/or remote replication policy; performance levels
(optionally committed) defined using metrics such as IOPS
(input/output operations per second), response time, and
throughput; encryption requirements; de-duplication requirements;
compression requirements; a storage method (physical capacity, thin
capacity/provisioning), etc.
[0183] In some cases, management system can enable management
(including creation, update and deletion) of various Service Level
Groups (SLGs). An SLG is a template SLS that can be shared among
multiple logical storage entities. An SLG can be a partial SLS
(that requires augmentation) and/or contain settings that can be
overridden. Thus, for example, an SLG can define various recovery
parameters only that can be inherited by various SLSs, each of
which can add and/or override SLS parameters.
[0184] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, UDSP 225 can include an automatic management system
for allocating resources and managing the resources in the DSS 200.
Optionally, the automatic management system is an Objective-Based
Management System (OBMS) 100 that can be configured to allocate and
manage the resources in the network, inter alia based on any one
of, or any combination of, user-defined requirements defined by one
or more service level specifications (SLSs), data of various
parameters relating to computer nodes 205 and/or to resources
connected thereto, data of various parameters that refer to the DSS
200 or parts thereof (e.g. maximal allowed site-level over-commit,
maximal allowed overall over-commit, various security parameters,
etc.) and data of various parameters that refer to the dynamic
behavior of the DSS 200 and the environment (e.g. the client
servers 218, gateway resources 216, etc.), as further detailed
herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. Optionally,
OBMS 100 processing can be implemented through one or more UDSP
agents 220 installed on one or more of the computer nodes 205 in
Infrastructure Layer 201, or through one or more UDSP agents 220
installed on a gateway resource 216 or on a client server 218 with
access to DSS 200 (e.g. directly or through gateway resources 216),
or any combination thereof.
[0185] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, API/framework layer 203 includes a plug-in layer
which facilitates addition of software extensions (plug-ins) to DSS
200. Such plug-ins can be utilized for example for applying
processes to the data, introducing new functionality and features
to DSS 200, interfacing DSS 200 with specific applications and
implementing application-specific tasks (e.g. storage related
tasks, etc.), implementing various resource specific drivers,
introducing new SLS parameters and/or parameter group/s (e.g. in
relation to a plug-in functionality and/or goals), implementing
management functionality, etc. In some cases, the plug-in layer can
also include drivers associated with various hardware components
(e.g. encryption cards, etc.).
[0186] In some cases the plug-ins can be deployed on one or more
UDSP agents 220. In some cases, the plug-ins can be deployed on one
or more UDSP agents 220 for example, according to the plug-in
specifications (e.g. a software encryption plug-in can be installed
on any UDSP agent 220), according to various resources connected to
a computer node 205 and/or to a gateway resource 216 and/or to a
client server 218 on which a UDSP agent 220 is installed (e.g. a
hardware accelerator plug-in can be automatically deployed on each
UDSP agent 220 associated with a computer node 205 that is
associated with such a hardware accelerator), according to a
decision of the automatic management system (e.g. OBMS 100), or
according to a selection of a system administrator, etc. In some
cases the plug-ins can be deployed automatically, e.g. by the
automatic management system (e.g. OBMS 100) and/or by the computer
nodes 205. Optionally, the software extensions can include data
processing plug-ins 226 such as, for example, a data deduplication
plug-in enabling for example deduplication of data stored on DSS
200, a data encryption plug-in enabling for example
encryption/decryption of data stored on DSS 200, a data compression
plug-in enabling for example compression/decompression of data
stored on DSS 200, etc. Optionally, the software extensions can
include storage feature plug-ins 228 such as, for example, a
content indexing plug-in enabling for example indexing of data
stored on DSS 200, a snapshot management plug-in enabling
management of snapshots of data stored on DSS 200, a tiering
management plug-in enabling for example tiering of data stored on
DSS 200, a disaster recovery plug-in enabling for example
management of process, policies and procedures related to disaster
recovery, a continuous data protection plug-in enabling for example
management of continuous or real time backup of data stored on DSS
200, etc. Optionally, the software extensions can include
application plug-ins 230 such as, for example a database plug-in
enabling for example accelerating query processing, a management
plug-in 233 enabling for example performance of various DSS 200
management tasks and other interactions with users, client servers
218, and other entities connected to DSS 200, and other suitable
application plug-ins.
[0187] As indicated herein, in some cases, a plug-in can introduce
new SLS parameters and/or parameter group(s) (e.g. in relation to a
plug-in functionality and/or goals). In such cases, according to
the plug-in functionality, respective SLS parameters and/or
parameter group(s) can be introduced to DSS 200. Such introduced
SLS parameters can be used in order to set plug-in related
requirements, e.g. by a user and/or automatically by the automatic
management system (e.g. OBMS 100), etc.
[0188] In some cases, the software extensions can be stored on one
of the computer nodes 205 or distributed on more than one computer
node 205. In some cases, the software extensions can be stored on
one or more data storage resources connected to one or more
computer nodes 205. In some cases, the software extensions can be
stored in a virtual software extensions library that can be shared
by the UDSP agents 220.
[0189] In some cases, the software extensions can be managed,
automatically and/or manually (e.g. by a system administrator).
Such management can sometimes be performed by utilizing the
management plug-in 233. In such cases, management plug-in 233 can
enable addition/removal of software extension to/from DSS 200,
addition/removal of various software extensions to/from one or more
UDSP agents 220, etc.
[0190] Following the description of the top-level architecture of
DSS 200, a detailed description of a DSS 200 configuration process
that can be performed by Objective Based Management System (OBMS)
100 is hereby provided. For this purpose, attention is now drawn to
FIG. 2, illustrating a simplified, exemplary system for configuring
a Distributed Storage System 200, according to the presently
disclosed subject matter. For this purpose, OBMS 100 can be
configured, inter alia, to automatically allocate and manage
resources in the Infrastructure Layer 201. OBMS 100 can include an
Input Module 102, one or more Processors 104, and an Output Module
106.
[0191] In some cases, input Module 102 can be configured to receive
input data. Such input data can include, inter alia, any one of, or
any combination of, user-defined storage requirements defined by
one or more service level specifications (SLSs), definitions of one
or more logical storage entities, data of various parameters
relating to computer nodes 205 and/or to resources connected
thereto (including storage-related resources, also referred to as
storage-related resources data), data of various parameters that
refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof (e.g. maximal allowed
site-level over-commit, maximal allowed overall over-commit,
various security parameters, etc.), data of various parameters
relating to dynamic behavior (dynamic behavior parameter data) of
the DSS 200 and the environment (e.g. the client servers 218,
gateway resources 216, etc.), etc.
[0192] In some cases, user-defined requirements can define one or
more service level specifications (SLSs) specifying various
requirements that one or more users require the DSS 200 and/or one
or more logical storage entities to meet.
[0193] In some cases, the data of various parameters relating to
dynamic behavior of the DSS 200 and the environment (dynamic
behavior parameter data) can include various parameters data
indicative of the current state of one or more of the DSS 200
components (including the computer nodes 205 and the resources
connected thereto). Such data can include data of presence and/or
loads and/or availability and/or faults and/or capabilities and/or
response time(s) and/or connectivity and/or cost(s) (e.g. costs of
network links, different types of data storage resources) and/or
any other data relating to one or more of the resources, including
data relating to one or more computer nodes 205, one or more
gateway resources 216, one or more client servers 218, etc. In some
cases, such data can include, inter alia, various statistical
data.
[0194] In some cases, the data of various parameters relating to
computer nodes 205 and/or to resources connected thereto (including
storage-related resources, also referred to as storage-related
resources data) can include data of various parameters indicative
of the resources of the DSS 200, including hardware resources,
including storage-related resources, such as, for example:
a. parameters relating to a data storage resource, (e.g. for each
of the its hard drives): [0195] 1. Hard drive category parameters
(e.g. hard drive size, interface (e.g. SAS, SATA, FC, Ultra-SCSI,
etc.), cache size, special features (e.g. on-drive encryption,
etc.), etc.); [0196] 2. Hard drive performance parameters (e.g.
response time, average latency, random seek time, data transfer
rate, etc.); [0197] 3. Hard drive power consumption; [0198] 4. Hard
drive reliability parameters (e.g. Mean Time Between Failure
(MTBF), Annual Failure Rate (AFR), etc.). b. computer node 205
parameters: [0199] 1. Number of CPUs and cores per CPU. [0200] 2.
Performance parameters of each CPU and/or core, such as frequency,
L2 and L3 cache sizes. [0201] 3. Architecture (e.g. does the CPU
and/or core support 64-bit computing, is it little-endian or
big-endian) [0202] 4. Support for certain instruction sets (e.g.
AES-NI, a new instruction set for speeding up AES encryption).
[0203] 5. Number of hard drive slots available; [0204] 6. Available
storage interfaces (SATA, SAS, etc.); [0205] 7. Maximal amount of
memory; [0206] 8. Supported memory configurations; c. Cache
resource parameters: [0207] 1. Cache resource type (e.g. DRAM,
SSD), size and performance. [0208] 2. Is the cached storage space
local or remote. [0209] 3. NUMA parameters. d. Gateway resource
parameters: [0210] 1. Number of CPUs and cores per CPU. [0211] 2.
Performance parameters of each CPU and/or core, such as frequency,
L2 and L3 cache sizes. [0212] 3. Architecture (e.g. does the CPU
and/or core support 64-bit computing, is it little-endian or
big-endian) [0213] 4. Support for certain instruction sets (e.g.
AES-NI, a new instruction set for speeding up AES encryption).
[0214] 5. Number of hard drive slots available in the enclosure;
[0215] 6. Available storage interfaces (SATA, SAS, etc.); [0216] 7.
Maximal amount of memory; [0217] 8. Supported memory
configurations; [0218] 9. Networking parameters relating to gateway
(number of ports, speed and type of each port, etc.) e. Network
resource parameters: [0219] 1. Switching and routing capacities;
[0220] 2. Network types; [0221] 3. Security parameters.
[0222] It is to be noted that these are mere examples and
additional and/or alternative various parameters can be used.
[0223] In some cases, data relating to dynamic behavior of the DSS
200 and the environment (dynamic behavior parameter data) can
include various parameters indicative of the resources of the DSS
200, including hardware resources such as, for example:
a. Parameters relating to a data storage resource (e.g. for each of
its hard drives): [0224] 1. Hard drive free space. [0225] 2.
S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the hard drive. [0226] 3. The power state
of the hard drive (turned off, in spin-up phase, ready, etc.)
[0227] 4. Recent and current load on hard drive. [0228] 5. Existing
allocations and reservations. b. Computer node 205 parameters:
[0229] 1. Recent and current load statistics for each core. [0230]
2. Existing allocations and reservations. [0231] 3. Current amount
of memory. c. Cache resource parameters: [0232] 1. Available size.
[0233] 2. Occupancy level of the cache. [0234] 3. Recent and
current swapping/page fault statistics. [0235] 4. Existing
allocations and reservations. d. Gateway resource parameters:
[0236] 1. Recent and current network connections statistics. [0237]
2. Recent and current node load statistics. [0238] 3. Recent and
current latency statistics. [0239] 4. Recent and current routing
cost statistics (for commands routed by a gateway into a DSS).
[0240] 5. Existing allocations and reservations. e. Network
resource parameters: [0241] 1. Recent and current load of network
segments. [0242] 2. Recent and current reliability and quality
parameters of network segments. [0243] 3. Existing allocations and
reservations.
[0244] It is to be noted that these are mere examples and
additional and/or alternative various parameters can be used.
[0245] In some cases, input Module 102 can be configured to
transfer the input data to one or more Processors 104. As
indicated, OBMS 100 processing can be implemented through one or
more UDSP agents 220 (e.g. while utilizing Objective based
configuration module 380 as further detailed herein, inter alia
with reference to FIG. 5), e.g. through UDSP agents 220 installed
on one or more of the computer nodes 205 in Infrastructure Layer
201, or through UDSP agents 220 installed on one or more gateway
resources 216, or through UDSP agents 220 installed on one or more
client servers 218 with access to DSS 200 (e.g. directly or through
gateway resources 216), or any combination thereof. In such cases,
the one or more processors 104 can be one or more processing
resources (e.g. processing units) associated with such UDSP agents
220 (e.g. if the processing is implemented through a UDSP agent 220
installed on a computer node 205, then processor can be the
processing unit of that computer node 205, etc.). It is to be noted
that more than one processing resource (e.g. processing unit) can
be used for example in case of parallel and/or distributed
processing.
[0246] The one or more Processors 104 can be configured to receive
the input data from Input Module 102 and to perform an optimization
process based on the input data for determining configuration
requirements that meet all of the user-defined storage requirements
(e.g. SLSs) provided by the one or more users of DSS 200, inter
alia with respect to entities that they affect (such as logical
storage entities associated with such SLSs). A more detailed
description of the optimization process and of the determined
configuration requirements is provided herein, inter alia with
respect to FIG. 3.
[0247] The configuration requirements can be transferred to Output
Module 106 which, in some cases, can determine if the current DSS
200 resources are sufficient to meet the determined configuration
requirements. Accordingly, Output Module 106 can be configured to
perform solution-driven actions, which include allocation,
reservation, commit or over-commit (e.g. virtually allocating more
resources than the actual resources available in the infrastructure
layer 201) of the resources if the configuration requirements can
be met by the system, or issuing improvement recommendations to be
acted upon by the user which may include adding resources and/or
adding plug-ins and/or any other recommendations for enabling the
system to meet the configuration requirements. Such improvement
recommendations can include, for example, recommendation to add one
or more resources, to add or upgrade one or more plug-ins, to span
the infrastructure across additional and/or different locations
(local and/or remote), etc.
[0248] It is to be noted that in some cases the configuration
process, or parts thereof, can be initiated when deploying the DSS
200 and/or one or more logical storage entities for the first time,
and/or following one or more changes (e.g. pre-defined changes)
applied to DSS 200 and/or to one or more logical storage entities
(e.g. addition/removal of a resource such as computer nodes 205,
cache resources, data storage resources, network resources,
plug-ins or any other resource to DSS 200; a change in one or more
user-defined storage requirements; etc.), and/or according to the
dynamic behavior of DSS 200 (as further detailed below, inter alia
with respect to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11), etc. Additionally or
alternatively, the configuration process, or parts thereof, can be
initiated in a semi-continuous manner (e.g. at pre-determined time
intervals, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the configuration
process, or parts thereof, can be performed continuously.
[0249] It is to be further noted that, with reference to FIG. 2,
some of the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or
can be broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be
added. Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
system elements that realizes them, this is by no means binding,
and the blocks can be performed by elements other than those
described herein.
[0250] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 3, which schematically
illustrates a simplified and exemplary flow diagram of an
optimization process performed by the objective-based storage
management system, according to the presently disclosed subject
matter. In some cases, one or more Processors 104 can be configured
to receive input data (e.g. from input module 102) and, in some
cases, convert the received input data into a format suitable for
processing by an optimization engine (e.g. into an optimization
problem representation) (block 112).
[0251] An optimization engine associated with one or more
Processors 104 can be configured to perform an optimization
process, based on the original and/or converted input data to
arrive at a required configuration which satisfies the requirements
as defined by the input data (as further detailed herein, inter
alia with respect to FIG. 2) (block 114). It is to be noted that in
some cases, the optimization process can be instructed to return
the first valid solution that it finds, whereas in other cases, the
optimization process can be instructed to search for the optimal
solution out of a set of calculated valid solutions. Optionally,
the optimization techniques used in the optimization process can
include any one of, or any combination of, linear programming,
simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, or any other suitable
optimization technique known in the art. Optionally, the
optimization technique can utilize heuristics and/or
approximations. Optionally, optimization decisions can be taken
based on partial and/or not up-to-date information.
[0252] In some cases, the output of the optimization engine can be
converted by the one or more Processors 104 from an optimization
solution representation to a configuration requirements
representation (block 116).
[0253] In some cases, the configuration requirements are output by
the one or more Processors 104 for example as any one of, or any
combination of, the following: location requirements (e.g.
availability of at least one additional site, availability of a
certain amount of storage space in the additional site/s, maximal
latency between sites, minimal geographical distance between sites
for example for disaster recovery purposes, etc.), cache resources
requirements (e.g. required cache size, required cache type,
required cache locations, required cache performance parameters,
etc.), gateway resources requirements (e.g. required Fibre Channel
bandwidth, required processing performance parameters, etc.),
network resources requirements (e.g. required network bandwidth,
required network type, etc.), computing resources requirements
(e.g. computer nodes processing performance parameters, computer
nodes number of CPU cores, etc.), data storage resources
requirements (e.g. required storage space, required storage type,
etc.), additional resource requirements (e.g. required compression
performance, required encryption performance, etc.), plug-in
requirements (e.g. required database plug-in, etc.), environment
requirements (e.g. required physical security level, etc.), etc.
(block 117).
[0254] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 3, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0255] Turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic illustration
of a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary operational algorithm
of a configuration process performed by the objective-based
management system, according to the presently disclosed subject
matter. In some cases, as indicated above, Input Module 102 can
receive the input data and transfer the data to the one or more
Processors 104 (block 110). As further indicated above, the one or
more Processors 104 can, in some cases, convert the input data into
a format suitable for processing by an optimization engine (e.g.
into an optimization problem representation) (block 112).
[0256] An optimization engine associated with one or more
Processors 104 can be configured to perform an optimization
process, based on the original and/or converted input data to
arrive at a required configuration which satisfies the requirements
as defined by the input data (as further detailed herein, inter
alia with respect to FIG. 2) (block 114). In some cases, the output
of the optimization engine can be converted by the one or more
Processors 104 from an optimization solution representation to a
configuration requirements representation (block 116).
[0257] In some cases, output module can compare the required
configuration with the actual data of the DSS 200 resources (e.g.
the computer nodes 205, the storage-related resources, etc.) and/or
environment for determination if the DSS 200 can meet the required
configuration (block 118). It is to be noted that in some cases the
actual DSS 200 resources can refer to those parts of the DSS 200
resources that are currently available. If the actual DSS 200
resources and/or environment can meet the required configuration,
OBMS 100 can be configured to reserve and/or allocate the resources
according to the required configuration (block 126). In some cases,
OBMS 100 can be configured to set up the DSS 200 configuration
and/or perform any induced deployment actions (block 128). In some
cases, the set-up and/or deployment action can include, inter alia,
automatically creating new logical storage entities (such as
Logical Units, Object Stores, file system instances, etc.)
associated with SLSs. In some cases, each logical storage entity is
associated with a single SLS.
[0258] As part of setting-up the storage configuration and/or
performing any induced deployment actions, relevant set-up and/or
deployment action requests can be sent to the UDSP agents 205; in
some cases such requests are sent to the UDSP agents 205 associated
with the storage-related resources relevant for the requested
set-up and/or deployment action. In some cases, the UDSP agents 205
that receive such requests can be configured to update a data
repository associated therewith about the set-up and/or deployment
requested to be used by DSS 200 as further detailed below, inter
alia with respect to FIG. 5. In some cases, following the
deployment, the process of deploying the DSS 200 ends successfully
(block 130).
[0259] If the actual DSS 200 resources and/or environment cannot
meet the required configuration, OBMS 100 can be configured to send
a message to the user (e.g. a system administrator) providing the
user with a failure notification and/or recommendations as to
corrective actions to be taken by the user for allowing
implementation of the required infrastructure configuration (block
120). Optionally, the action can include adding infrastructure
resources which will allow successful calculation of a
configuration. Optionally, the action can include adding relevant
plug-ins. Optionally, the action can involve spanning
infrastructure resources across additional and/or alternative
locations. It is to be noted that the recommendations disclosed
herein are mere examples, and other recommendations can be
additionally or alternatively issued to the user. In some cases,
OBMS 100 can be configured to make a decision as to whether the
required infrastructure configuration should be re-evaluated,
optionally after some interval/delay, or not (block 122). If yes,
OBMS 100 can be configured to return to block 112.
[0260] Optionally, the Output Module 106 automatically goes to 112,
optionally after some interval/delay, if set to a continuous mode.
Optionally, the decision to retry or not is based on user input of
a retry instruction. If no, the process of deploying the DSS 200
failed. In some cases, OBMS 100 can be configured to report
failures.
[0261] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 4, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0262] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 5, in which a block diagram
schematically illustrating an exemplary computer node connected to
the Distributed Storage System, according to certain examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter, is shown.
[0263] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, Computer node 205 can comprise one or more
processing resources 310. The one or more processing resources 310
can be a processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller or
any other computing device or module, including multiple and/or
parallel and/or distributed processing units, which are adapted to
independently or cooperatively process data for controlling
relevant computer node 205 resources and/or storage-related
resources connected to computer node 205 and for enabling
operations related to computer node 205 resources and/or to
storage-related resources connected to computer node 205.
[0264] Computer node 205 can further comprise one or more network
interfaces 320 (e.g. a network interface card, or any other
suitable device) for enabling computer node 205 to communicate,
inter alia with other computer nodes and/or other resources
connected to DSS 200.
[0265] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, computer node 205 can be associated with a UDSP
data repository 330, configured to store data, including inter alia
data of various user-defined storage requirements defining SLSs,
and/or data of a logical storage entities associated with each SLS,
and/or data of various parameters relating to computer nodes 205
and/or to storage-related resources connected thereto and/or data
relating to various parameters that refer to the DSS 200 or parts
thereof and/or data relating to dynamic behavior of the DSS 200 and
the environment (e.g. the client servers 218, gateway resources
216, etc.), and/or data relating to the DSS 200 set-up and/or
deployment and/or any other data. In some cases, UDSP data
repository 330 can be further configured to enable retrieval,
update and deletion of the stored data. It is to be noted that in
some cases, UDSP data repository 330 can be located locally on
computer node 205, on a storage-related resource connected to
computer node 205 (e.g. a data storage resource, a cache resource,
or any other suitable resource), on a client server 218, on a
gateway resource 216, or any other suitable location. In some
cases, UDSP data repository 330 can be distributed between two or
more locations. In some cases, UDSP data repository 330 can be
additionally or alternatively stored on one or more logical storage
entities within the DSS 200. In some cases, additionally or
alternatively, UDSP data repository 330 can be shared between
multiple computer nodes.
[0266] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, computer node 205 can further comprise a UDSP agent
220 that can be executed, for example, by the one or more
processing resources 310. As indicated above, UDSP agents 220 can
be configured, inter alia, to control and manage various operations
of computer node 205 and/or DSS 200. UDSP agent 220 can comprise
one or more of the following modules: a task management module 335,
a multicast module 340, a task creation module 345, an execution
module 350, a local parameters monitoring module 360, a remote
nodes parameters monitoring module 370, a cloud plug & play
module 380, a resource detection and management module 385, an
objective based configuration module 390, a cache management module
397 and an objective based routing module 395.
[0267] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, task management module 335 can be configured to
manage a received task, such as a data path operation (e.g.
read/write operation), as further detailed, inter alia with respect
to FIG. 8.
[0268] Multicast module 340 can be configured to propagate (e.g. by
unicast/multicast/recast transmission) various notifications to
various UDSP agents 220 (e.g. UDSP agents installed on other
computer nodes, gateway resources 216, client servers 218, etc.).
Such notifications can include, for example, notifications of a
resource status change, notifications of addition of a new
resource, notifications of disconnection of a resource,
notifications of a change in a local parameter, etc. In addition,
multicast module 340 can be configured to handle any protocols
between various UDSP agents 220 and other entities of the DSS 200
as well as external entities (such as external management systems,
etc.).
[0269] Task creation module 345 can be configured to create a new
task for execution in DSS 200, as further detailed inter alia with
respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0270] Execution module 350 can be configured to locally execute
one or more assignments associated with a received task, as further
detailed herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 10.
[0271] Local parameters monitoring module 360 can be configured to
monitor various local parameters, such as parameters indicative of
the dynamic behavior of the computer node 205 and/or any resource
connected thereto, and propagate (e.g. while utilizing Multicast
module 340) notifications indicative of a change to one or more
local parameters, as further detailed, inter alia with respect to
FIG. 12. It is to be noted that in some cases local parameters are
parameters relating to a specific computer node 205 (or a gateway
resource 216 or a client server 218, mutatis mutandis), on which
the monitoring is performed, and/or to resources connected
thereto.
[0272] Remote nodes parameters monitoring module 370 can be
configured to receive notifications indicative of a change in one
or more parameters of one or more remote computer nodes 205 and/or
resources connected thereto, and update UDSP data repository 330
accordingly, as further detailed, inter alia with respect to FIG.
15. In some cases, remote nodes parameters monitoring module 370
can be configured to register with another computer node 205 (e.g.
with a UDSP agent 220 associated with the other computer node 205)
to receive selective notifications therefrom. It is to be noted
that in some cases, remote nodes parameters monitoring module 370
can be configured to independently and/or actively query a remote
computer node 205 for any required information.
[0273] Cloud plug & play module 380 can be configured to enable
autonomous and/or automatic connection of a computer node 205 to
DSS 200, as further detailed, inter alia with respect to FIG.
14.
[0274] Resource detection and management module 385 can be
configured to detect and manage resources connected to the computer
node 205, as further detailed inter alia with respect to FIG.
13.
[0275] Objective based configuration module 390 can be configured
to configure and/or reconfigure DSS 200 as detailed inter alia with
respect to FIGS. 2-4 and 11.
[0276] Objective based routing module 395 can be configured to
route a received task to a computer node 205 as further detailed,
inter alia with respect to FIGS. 6 and 8.
[0277] Cache management module 397 can be configured, inter alia,
to monitor parameters relating to cache resources, and to manage
cache resources connected to the computer node (including, inter
alia, to perform cache handoffs), as further detailed herein, inter
alia with respect to FIGS. 16-22.
[0278] It is to be noted that the one or more processing resources
310 can be configured to execute the UDSP agent 220 and any of the
modules comprised therein.
[0279] It is to be noted that according to some examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter, some or all of the UDSP agent
220 modules can be combined and provided as a single module, or, by
way of example, at least one of them can be realized in a form of
two or more modules. It is to be further noted that in some cases
UDSP agents 220 can be additionally or alternatively installed on
one or more gateway resources 216 and/or client servers 218, etc.
In such cases, partial or modified versions of UDSP agents 220 can
be installed on and/or used by the one or more gateway resource 216
and/or client server 218, etc.
[0280] Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart illustrating a
sequence of operations carried out for creating a task, according
to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. A
task can be generated in order to execute a requested operation
received by the DSS 200 (e.g. a read/write operation, a management
operation, etc.). In some cases, a task can comprise a list of one
or more assignments to be executed as part of the requested
operation.
[0281] In some cases, task creation module 345 can perform a task
creation process 500. For this purpose, in some cases, task
creation module 345 can receive a requested operation (block 510)
originating for example from a client server 218, a gateway
resource 216, a computer node 205, or any other source. The
received requested operation can include data indicative of the
type of operation (e.g. read, write, management, etc.), and/or any
other data relevant to the requested operation (e.g. in a write
request, data indicative of the relevant logical storage entity on
which the operation is to be performed, a block to be written,
etc.).
[0282] Task creation module 345 can be configured to create a task
container (block 520). The task container can comprise, inter alia,
one or more of: data indicative of the requested operation
originator (e.g. a network identifier thereof), data indicative of
the relevant logical storage entity on which the operation is to be
performed, operation specific data (e.g. in case of a block-write
operation--the block to write) and an empty assignment list.
[0283] In some cases, e.g. when the request is associated with a
logical storage entity, task creation module 345 can be configured
to retrieve the SLS associated with the logical storage entity, and
create one or more assignments to be performed in accordance with
the SLS (for example, if the SLS requires data to be encrypted, an
encryption assignment can be automatically created, etc.) (block
530).
[0284] It is to be noted that the task creation process 500 can be
performed by task creation module 345 of UDSP agent 220 associated
with computer node 205. However, it is to be noted that
additionally and/or alternatively, task creation process 500 can be
performed by task creation module 345 of UDSP agent 220 associated
with client server 218 and/or gateway resource 216, or any other
source having a task creation module 345. Thus, in some cases,
computer node 205 can receive one or more tasks that have already
been created, e.g. by a client server 218 and/or a gateway resource
216, etc.
[0285] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 6, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0286] In order to better understand the process of a task
creation, attention is drawn to FIG. 7, showing a flowchart
illustrating a sequence of operations carried out for creating an
exemplary storage block-write task, according to certain examples
of the presently disclosed subject matter. In the example provided
herein, task creation module 345 can receive block data to be
written in DSS 200 and data indicative of the relevant logical
storage entity on which the block is to be written (block 605).
[0287] In some cases, task creation module 345 can be configured to
create a new task container. The task container can comprise, inter
alia, data indicative of the originator from which the operation
originated (e.g. a network identifier thereof), data indicative of
the relevant logical storage entity on which the block is to be
written, storage block data to be written in the logical storage
entity and an empty assignment list (block 610).
[0288] In some cases, each task can be assigned with a Generation
Number. Such a Generation Number can be a unique sequential (or any
other ordered value) identifier that can be used by various
plug-ins and resources in order to resolve conflicts and handle
out-of-order scenarios. For example, it can be assumed that a first
task (FT) is issued before a second conflicting task (ST) and that
the ST is received for processing first. In such cases, the
execution module 350 can be configured to check if the Generation
Number of FT is earlier than that of ST, and in such cases,
execution module 350 can be configured not to overwrite the data
previously updated according to ST.
[0289] Task creation module 345 can also be configured to retrieve
the SLS associated with the logical storage entity on which the
operation is to be performed (block 615), and introduce relevant
assignments to the assignments list associated with the task
accordingly. Thus, task creation module 345 can be configured to
check if compression is required according to the SLS (block 620),
and if so, task creation module 345 can be configured to add the
relevant assignment (e.g. compress data) to the assignments list
(block 625). Task creation module 345 can be further configured to
check if encryption is required according to the SLS (block 630),
and if so, task creation module 345 can be configured to add the
relevant assignment (e.g. encrypt data) to the assignments list
(block 635).
[0290] Assuming that these are the only two assignments to be
performed according to the SLS, task creation module 345 has
successfully created the new task and the new task is ready for
execution (block 640).
[0291] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 7, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0292] Following the brief explanation about tasks and their
creation, attention is drawn to FIG. 8, showing a flowchart
illustrating a sequence of operations carried out for managing a
task received by a UDSP agent, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
[0293] In some cases, task management module 335 of UDSP agent 220
can be configured to receive a task (block 405). It is to be noted
that a task can be received from a client server 218 (e.g. directly
or through a gateway resource 216 that can act, inter alia, as a
protocol converter), from a gateway resource 216, from another
computer node 205, from an external entity (e.g. an application,
etc.), or from any other source.
[0294] Following receipt of a task, task management module 335 can
be configured to retrieve all or part of the data indicative of the
dynamic behavior of all or part of the DSS 200 resources (e.g.
computer nodes and/or storage-related resources, etc.) (block
410).
[0295] In some cases, task management module 335 can be configured
to check if the task is associated with an SLS (e.g. the task
relates to a specific logical storage entity, etc.) (block 412),
and if so, retrieve the SLS associated with the logical storage
entity associated with the task (e.g. from the UDSP data repository
330 or, if not available in UDSP data repository 330, from another
computer node's UDSP data repository, etc.) (block 413).
[0296] Task management module 335 can be configured to utilize
objective based routing module 395 to grade the suitability of one
or more of the DSS 200 computer nodes 205 to execute one or more
pending task assignments (block 415).
[0297] Pending task assignments are assignments that have no
unfulfilled prerequisite prior to execution thereof. For example, a
compression assignment can depend on prior execution of a
deduplication assignment, an encryption assignment can depend on
prior execution of a compression assignment, etc.
[0298] The suitability of computer nodes 205 to execute pending
task assignments and thus, their grades, can be dependent for
example on their resources (e.g. their processing capabilities),
including their storage-related resources and/or, in case the task
relates to a logical storage entity, on their ability to meet one
or more SLS requirements (e.g. having a resource capable of being
used for executing one or more of the task assignments in the scope
of such a logical storage entity), if such requirements exist,
and/or on their dynamic behavior and current state, etc. A more
detailed description of the grading process is provided with
respect to FIG. 9.
[0299] Based on the calculated grades, task management module 335
can be configured to utilize objective based routing module 395 to
route the task for example to a more suitable computer node 205,
and sometimes to the most suitable computer node, per grading
results (e.g. the task can be routed to the computer node 205
having the highest grade) (block 420).
[0300] Task management module 335 can be configured to check if the
task was routed to another computer node (block 425). If the task
was routed to another computer node, then the process relating to
the local computer node 205 (e.g. the computer node 205 running the
process) ends (block 440). However, if the local computer node 205
is the most suitable one, then one or more of the pending task
assignments can be executed on the local computer node 205 (block
430), for example by utilizing UDSP agent's 220 execution module
350.
[0301] It is to be noted that in some cases, not all pending task
assignments that the local computer node 205 is capable of
executing are executed by it, but only the pending task assignments
for which it was selected as the most suitable one. Thus, for
example, if a task comprises three pending task assignments, two of
which can be executed by the local computer node 205, one for which
it has the highest grade and one for which it does not have the
highest grade--the UDSP agent 220 associated with the local
computer node 205 can be configured to execute only the assignment
for which the local computer node 205 has the highest grade. It is
to be further noted that UDSP agent 220 of the local computer node
205 can in some cases utilize more than one processing resource of
the local computer node 205 (if such exists) for parallel and/or
concurrent processing of one or more assignments. In some cases,
for such parallel and/or concurrent processing of more than one
assignment, the local computer node 205 can utilize remote
processing resources (e.g. processing resources associated with one
or more remote computer nodes 205). A more detailed description of
assignment/s execution is provided inter alia with respect to FIG.
10.
[0302] Task management module 335 can be further configured to
check if additional assignments exist following execution of the
assignments on the local computer node 205 and/or if the execution
of the assignments on the local computer node 205 triggered
creation of one or more new tasks (e.g. a replication assignment
can result in generation of multiple write tasks, each destined at
a different location) and/or assignments (block 435). If not--the
process ends (block 440). If yes--the process returns to block 405,
in which the task with the remaining assignments and/or the one or
more new tasks are received by the UDSP agent 220 associated with
the local computer node 205 and the processes of managing each of
the tasks begin.
[0303] In some cases, the infrastructure layer can be updated, for
example by adding one or more interconnected computer nodes 205 to
the infrastructure layer, by removing one or more computer nodes
205 from the infrastructure layer, by modifying one or more
existing computer nodes 205 (e.g. adding processing resources 310
and/or other storage related resources thereto, removing processing
resources 310 and/or other storage related resources therefrom,
etc.) of the infrastructure layer, etc. In some cases such changes
to the infrastructure layer can be performed dynamically (e.g.
whenever a user desires), including during operation of DSS
200.
[0304] Task management module 335 can in some cases be configured
to utilize objective based routing module 395 to grade the
suitability of one or more of the updated infrastructure layer
computer nodes 205 that have been added or modified, to execute one
or more pending task assignments of following tasks. In some cases,
the updated infrastructure layer can be created during such grading
calculation and the calculation can be performed in respect of one
or more computer nodes 205 of the updated infrastructure layer. In
some cases, the calculation can be performed in respect of one or
more additional or modified computer nodes 205 of the updated
infrastructure layer.
[0305] Task management module 335 can in some cases be configured
to execute one or more of said pending assignments of following
tasks or route said following tasks to a more suitable computer
node 205 (and in some cases to the most suitable computer node 205)
of the updated infrastructure layer, based on the calculated
grades.
[0306] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 8, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0307] As detailed herein, task management module 335 can be
configured to utilize objective based routing module 395 to grade
the suitability of one or more of the DSS 200 computer nodes 205 to
execute pending task assignments. Attention is drawn to FIG. 9
illustrating a sequence of operations carried out for grading nodes
suitability to execute pending task assignments, according to
certain examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0308] The grading process 700 can begin, for example, by objective
based routing module 395 receiving at least one of: a task to be
performed, data indicative of the dynamic behavior of all or part
of the DSS 200 resources (including the computer nodes and/or the
storage-related resources, etc.), or any other data that can be
used by the grading process (block 710). In some cases, when the
task is associated with a specific logical storage entity,
objective based routing module 395 can also receive the SLS
associated with the logical storage entity associated with the
task.
[0309] Objective based routing module 395 can be configured to
grade one or more computer nodes 205 suitability to execute each of
the pending task assignments (block 720). The grading can be
performed, inter alia, based on the received data.
[0310] It is to be noted that a grade can be calculated for each
computer node 205 connected to DSS 200, or only for some of the
computer nodes 205 (e.g. according to the network topology, the
geographic distance from the local computer node 205, randomly
and/or deterministically selecting computer nodes 205 until a
sufficient number of computer nodes 205 suitable to execute one or
more pending task assignments are found, etc.). It is to be further
noted that various grading algorithms can be used for grading a
computer node's 205 suitability to execute pending task
assignments. It is to be still further noted that the grading
process can contain and/or use heuristics and/or approximations.
Additionally or alternatively, the grading can be based on partial
and/or not up-to-date information.
[0311] In some cases, for each computer node 205 that a grade is to
be calculated for, objective based routing module 395 can be
configured to check, for each pending task assignment, if the
computer node 205 can execute the pending task assignment. In case
the task is associated with a logical storage entity, objective
based routing module 395 can also check if the computer node 205
can execute the pending task assignment while meeting the
requirements defined by the respective SLS. In case the computer
node 205 cannot execute the pending task assignment (or cannot meet
the requirements defined by the SLS when relevant), the grade for
that node will be lower than the grade of a computer node 205 that
is capable of executing the pending task assignment (while meeting
the requirements defined by the SLS when relevant). In some cases,
the grade is calculated also based on parameters data relating to
one or more storage-related resources connected to the respective
computer node 205 (e.g. data of parameters relating to presence
and/or loads and/or availability and/or faults and/or capabilities
and/or response time and/or connectivity and/or costs associated
with the storage-related resources), and the capability of such
storage-related resources to execute the pending task assignment
(while meeting the requirements defined by the SLS when
relevant).
[0312] In an exemplary manner, and for ease of understanding, the
grade of a computer node 205 that cannot execute the pending task
assignment (while meeting the requirements defined by the SLS, when
relevant) is zero, whereas the grade of a computer node 205 that is
capable of executing the pending task assignment (while meeting the
requirements defined by the SLS when relevant) is greater than
zero.
[0313] It is to be noted that in some cases, the calculated grades
can be represented by non-scalar values, e.g. by multi-dimensional
values. It is to be further noted that the calculated grades may
not belong to an ordered set. It is to be still further noted that
the decision of a suitable node and/or a most suitable node (e.g.
the decision which grade is "higher") can be arbitrary (e.g. when
the grades do not belong to an ordered set, etc.).
[0314] In some cases, if the local computer node 205 suitability to
execute the assignment would be identical to that of one or more
remote computer nodes 205 if they all had identical communication
costs of communicating the task thereto, the local computer node's
205 grade will be higher due to the costs associated with
communicating the task to any remote computer node 205.
[0315] In some cases, for each computer node 205 that a grade is to
be calculated for, objective based routing module 395 can be
configured to calculate an integrated grade based on the grades
calculated for each pending task assignment (block 730). Such an
integrated grade can be, for example, a summary of the computer
node's 205 assignments grades, an average of the computer node's
205 assignments grades, or any other calculation based on the
calculated computer node's 205 assignments grades.
[0316] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 9, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0317] Turning to FIG. 10, there is shown an illustration of a
sequence of operations carried out for executing pending task
assignments on a computer node, according to certain examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0318] As detailed herein, task management module 335 can be
configured to utilize execution module 350 for performing an
assignments execution process 800 for executing one or more of the
pending task assignments. In such cases, execution module 350 can
be configured to execute one or more pending task assignments
(block 810).
[0319] As indicated herein, it is to be noted that in some cases,
not all pending task assignments that the local computer node 205
is capable of executing are executed by it, but only the pending
task assignments for which it was selected. In addition, it is to
be further noted that UDSP agent 220 associated with the local
computer node 205 can in some cases utilize more than one
processing resource (if such exists) for parallel and/or concurrent
processing of one or more assignments. In some cases, for such
parallel and/or concurrent processing of more than one assignment,
the local computer node 205 can utilize remote processing resources
(e.g. processing resources associated with one or more remote
computer nodes 205).
[0320] Following execution of the one or more pending task
assignments, execution module 335 can be configured to update the
statuses of the executed assignments to indicate that the
assignments have been executed (block 820).
[0321] In some cases assignments can be partially executed or their
execution can fail. In such cases, execution module 335 can be
configured to update the assignment status with relevant
indications. In some cases the statuses can also contain data of
the execution results.
[0322] In some cases, execution module 335 can be configured to
check if there is a need to check the current DSS 200 configuration
(including, inter alia, the resources availability and allocation)
(block 830). Such a need can exist, for example, in case the
execution of one or more of the executed assignments that is
associated with a logical storage entity did not meet (or came
close to not meeting, e.g. according to pre-defined thresholds,
etc.) the respective SLS requirements and/or if one or more
assignments execution failed and/or if execution of an assignment
results in change of data of parameters relating to computer nodes
205 and/or to resources connected thereto that exceeds a
pre-defined or calculated threshold (such as shortage of storage
space or any other resource, etc.) and/or for any other reason.
[0323] In case there is a need to check the current configuration
of DSS 200, execution module 335 can be configured to recommend
UDSP agents 220 associated with one or more computer nodes 205 to
check if a reconfiguration is required (block 840). It is to be
noted that in some cases the recommendation can be handled by
objective based configuration module 390 of the UDSP agent 220
associated with the computer node 205 on which the one or more
assignments are executed. In other cases, the recommendation can be
sent to UDSP agents 220 associated with one or more computer nodes
205 that can be responsible for performing the reconfiguration
process (e.g. dedicated computer nodes). A further explanation
regarding the reconfiguration check is provided herein, inter alia
with respect to FIG. 11.
[0324] In case there is no need to check the current configuration
of DSS 200 or following the recommendation to check if a
reconfiguration is required, execution module 335 can be configured
to check if following execution of the one or more pending task
assignments the task is finished (e.g. all of the assignments
associated with the task have been executed) (block 850).
[0325] In case the task is not finished the process ends (block
860). If the task is finished, execution module 335 can be
configured to check if any notification indicating that the task is
finished is required (e.g. a notification to the task originator,
etc.) (block 870). If no notification is required, the process ends
(block 860). If a notification is required, execution module 335
can be configured to issue a notification of the task execution as
required (block 880) and the process ends (block 860).
[0326] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, for each required notification a dedicated
assignment of sending the required notification can be created,
e.g. during the task creation process described herein. In such
cases, optionally, blocks 850-880 can be disregarded.
[0327] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 10, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0328] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 11, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for managing reconfigurations of DSS,
according to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject
matter.
[0329] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, in some cases, a reconfiguration process 900
checking if a reconfiguration of DSS 200 is required can be
performed. In some cases, such a check can be performed
periodically (e.g. according to a pre-defined time interval, for
example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or any other
pre-defined time interval), continuously (e.g. in a repeating loop,
etc.), following a triggering event (e.g. a monitored parameter
exceeds a pre-defined or calculated threshold, receipt of a
recommendation from a UDSP agent 220 associated with a computer
node 205, as detailed inter alia with respect to FIG. 10, etc.),
etc.
[0330] As indicated herein, in some cases, each UDSP agent 220
associated with a computer node 205 can be configured to perform
the reconfiguration process 900, e.g. while utilizing objective
based configuration module 390. In some cases, UDSP agents 220
associated with one or more computer nodes 205 (e.g. dedicated
computer nodes) can be responsible for performing the
reconfiguration process 900, e.g. while utilizing objective based
configuration module 390.
[0331] In some cases, objective based configuration module 390 can
be configured to receive any one of, or any combination of, SLSs
associated with one or more logical storage entities in DSS 200,
data indicative of the dynamic behavior of the DSS 200 and its
resources and environment, data indicative of the current
configurations of DSS 200, statistical data and historical data
related to DSS 200, etc. (block 910). It is to be noted that in
some cases all or part of the data can additionally or
alternatively be retrieved from the UDSP data repository 330
associated with computer node 205 on which the reconfiguration
process 900 is performed.
[0332] In some cases, objective based configuration module 390 can
be configured to utilize the received data for checking if any of
the SLSs are breached (or close to be breached, e.g. according to
pre-defined thresholds, etc.) and/or if there is any other reason
(e.g. failure to perform one or more assignments irrespective of an
SLS, etc.) for performing a reconfiguration of the DSS 200 (block
920).
[0333] It is to be noted that whereas in some cases, every time an
SLS is breached (it should be noted that breach of an SLS can
sometimes include nearing such a breach, e.g. according to
pre-defined thresholds, etc.) a reconfiguration of DSS 200 can be
initiated, in other cases such reconfiguration of DSS 200 can be
initiated depending on meeting some pre-defined criteria. Such
criteria can be, for example, a pre-defined number of detected SLS
breaches required is to be met, either within a pre-defined time
frame or irrespective of the time, etc. Thus, for example,
exemplary criteria can be detection of three SLS breaches, or
detection of three SLS breaches within one day, etc. In some cases,
the importance of a breach can additionally or alternatively be
considered as a criterion. For this purpose, objective based
configuration module 390 can be configured to utilize the
statistical data and historical data related to DSS 200.
[0334] In case there is a need to reconfigure DSS 200, objective
based configuration module 390 can be configured to activate the
Objective Based Management System (OBMS) 100 for performing a DSS
200 configuration process, as detailed above, inter alia with
respect to FIGS. 2-4 (block 930). It is to be noted, as indicated
herein, that in cases of reconfiguration of DSS 200, OBMS 100 can
receive the current configurations of DSS 200 as part of the inputs
for the configuration process and take it into consideration when
reconfiguring DSS 200. In some cases, during such reconfiguration,
OBMS 100 can be configured to reserve and/or allocate and/or
reallocate and/or free all or part of the resources.
[0335] If no SLS is breached (or is close to be breached) and there
is no other reason for performing a reconfiguration, or following
initiation of a reconfiguration of DSS 200, reconfiguration process
900 ends (block 940).
[0336] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 11, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0337] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 12, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for monitoring local parameters of a
computer node and resources connected thereto, according to certain
examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0338] In some cases, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be
configured to monitor various parameters of a computer node 205
and/or storage-related resources connected thereto (block 1010). As
indicated herein, the monitored parameters can be any parameters
indicative of presence and/or loads and/or availability and/or
faults and/or capabilities and/or response time and/or connectivity
and/or costs (e.g. costs of network links, different types of data
storage resources) and/or any other parameters indicative of the
dynamic behavior of the computer node 205 and/or any
storage-related resource connected thereto and/or any other data
relating to the computer node 205 and/or to one or more of the
storage-related resources connected thereto. In some cases, local
parameters monitoring module 360 can be configured to monitor
various parameters of a client server 218 and/or a gateway resource
216, mutatis mutandis.
[0339] It is to be noted that such monitoring can be performed
periodically (e.g. according to a pre-defined time interval, for
example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or any other
pre-defined time interval), continuously (e.g. in a repeating loop,
etc.), following a triggering event (e.g. connection of a new
resource to the computer node 205, etc.), etc.
[0340] In some cases, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be
configured to check if a new parameter or a change in the value of
any of the monitored parameters was detected (block 1020). If not,
local parameters monitoring module 360 can be configured to
continue monitoring parameters. If, however, a new parameter or a
change in the value of any of the monitored parameters has been
detected, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be configured
to propagate (e.g. while utilizing multicast module 340)
notifications indicative of a change to one or more local
parameters. In some cases, such notifications can be sent to one or
more computer nodes 205 and/or client servers 218 and/or gateway
resources 216 (e.g. by unicast/multicast/recast transmission)
(block 1030).
[0341] It is to be noted that in some cases, local parameters
monitoring module 360 can be configured to send various types of
notifications that can comprise various indications (e.g.
indications of various groups of one or more local parameters,
etc.) in various pre-determined time periods or in response to
various triggering events. It is to be further noted that some
notifications can be selectively sent, for example to one or more
computer nodes 205 that registered to receive such
notifications.
[0342] In some cases, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be
configured to update the parameter value, and in some cases
additionally or alternatively, derivatives thereof (e.g. various
statistical data related to the parameter) in UDSP data repository
330 (block 1040).
[0343] In some cases, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be
configured to check if there is a need to check the current DSS 200
configuration. Such a need can exist, for example, in case one of
the monitored parameters exceeded a pre-defined or calculated
threshold associated therewith and/or for any other reason.
[0344] In case there is a need to check the current configuration
of DSS 200, local parameters monitoring module 360 can be
configured to recommend UDSP agents 220 associated with one or more
computer nodes 205 to check if a reconfiguration is required. It is
to be noted that in some cases the recommendation can be handled by
objective based configuration module 390 of the UDSP agent 220
associated with the local computer node 205 on which the local
parameters monitoring module 360 is running. In other cases, the
recommendation can be sent to UDSP agents 220 associated with one
or more computer nodes 205 that can be responsible for performing
the reconfiguration process (e.g. dedicated computer nodes). A
further explanation regarding the reconfiguration check is provided
herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 11.
[0345] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 12, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0346] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 13, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for detecting and managing resources
connected to a computer node, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
[0347] In some cases, resource detection and management module 385
can be configured to perform a detection and management process
1200. In some cases resource detection and management module 385
can be configured to scan for storage-related resources connected
to one or more computer nodes 205 (block 1210). In some cases,
resource detection and management module 385 can be configured to
perform the scan continuously and/or periodically (e.g. every
pre-determined time period, for example every minute, every five
minutes, every hour, etc.), etc. In some case, the scan can be
initiated by a user (e.g. a system administrator, etc.).
[0348] Resource detection and management module 385 can be
configured to check if any new storage-related resource is found
(block 1220). If no new storage-related resource is found, resource
detection and management module 385 can be configured to continue
scanning for storage-related resources. If one or more new
storage-related resources are found, storage-related resource
detection and management module 385 can be configured to check if
there is a need in one or more plug-ins for using such a
storage-related resource and if so whether the plug-ins exist
locally (e.g. on the computer node 205 to which the new resource is
attached/connected) (block 1230).
[0349] If there is a need for one or more plug-ins and they all
exist locally, resource detection and management module 385 can be
configured to associate the plug-ins with the new storage-related
resource and the storage-related resource can be added to the local
resource pool (block 1240).
[0350] If there is a need for one or more plug-ins that do not
exist locally, resource detection and management module 385 can be
configured to check if the one or more missing plug-ins exist, for
example on one or more computer nodes 205 and/or client servers 218
and/or gateway resources 216 (e.g. while utilizing multicast module
340) and/or in a shared virtual software extensions library as
detailed herein (block 1250) and/or on any other location on DSS
200, and/or on any auxiliary entity.
[0351] If resource detection and management module 385 found the
required plug-ins, resource detection and management module 385 can
be configured to associate the plug-ins with the new
storage-related resource and the storage-related resource can be
added to the local resource pool (block 1240).
[0352] In some cases, if resource detection and management module
385 did not find the required plug-ins, resource detection and
management module 385 can be configured to issue one or more
plug-in requests. Such plug-in requests can in some cases be sent
to a user (block 1270), thus enabling such a user to add the
relevant plug-ins to DSS 200 (e.g. after purchasing it, downloading
it from the Internet, etc.). Following sending such a request,
resource detection and management module 385 can be configured to
continue scanning for storage-related resources (block 1210).
[0353] It is to be noted that in some cases, until the required
plug-ins are found, retrieved (if required) and installed, the new
storage-related resource can be marked as a new storage-related
resource that is identified every time a scan for storage-related
resources is performed and thus, the process detailed herein
repeats until the required plug-ins are found.
[0354] In some cases, resource detection and management module 385
can be additionally or alternatively configured to check if a
storage-related resource removal is detected following the scan for
storage-related resources (block 1280). In such cases, if a
storage-related resource removal is detected, resource detection
and management module 385 can be configured to remove the
storage-related resource from the local resource pool and,
optionally, clean up any plug-ins that are no longer required (e.g.
in light of the fact that the resource that utilized such plug-ins
is removed) (block 1290).
[0355] It is to be noted that in some cases, resource detection and
management module 385 can be additionally or alternatively
configured to perform the detection and management process 1200 for
storage-related resources connected/disconnected to/from one or
more client servers 218 and/or gateway resources 216, mutatis
mutandis. It is to be further noted that utilization of the
resource detection and management module 385 can enable seamless
addition and/or removal and/or attachment and/or detachment of
storage-related resources to computer nodes 205 and/or to client
servers 218 and/or gateway resources 216 (e.g. "plug and play"),
including during operation of DSS 200, and in some cases without
performing any management action by a user (including, inter alia,
any preliminary management action).
[0356] It is to be further noted that in some cases, addition
and/or removal of storage-related resources to/from the local
resource pool can result in changes to the monitored local
parameters of a computer node 205 (e.g. addition and/or removal
and/or update and/or any other change of various local parameters).
As indicated herein, when new parameters are detected, in some
cases, appropriate notifications can be sent by local parameters
monitoring module 360, as detailed herein inter alia with respect
to FIG. 12. It is to be noted that in some cases such notifications
can trigger reconfiguration.
[0357] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 13, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0358] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 14, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for connecting a new computer node to
Distributed Storage System (DSS), according to certain examples of
the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0359] In some cases, when a new computer node 205, comprising a
UDSP agent 220 connects to a network, cloud plug and play module
380 of the new computer node 205 can be configured to detect a new
network connection and/or a change to an existing network
connection (e.g. that the computer node 205 on which cloud plug and
play module 380 is connected to a new or to a different network)
(block 1305). Following detection of a new network connection,
cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to send (e.g. by
unicast/multicast/recast transmission) a discovery message, for
example by utilizing multicast module 340 (block 1310). Such
discovery message can trigger any receiving computer node 205 to
respond, e.g. by sending a response including at least a DSS 200
identifier (each DSS 200 can have a unique identifier that enables
identification thereof).
[0360] Cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to listen
for any response received within a pre-determined time interval
(e.g. a time interval that can enable the receiving computer nodes
205 to respond to the discovery message) and check if any response
was received (block 1315). If no response was received, and
computer node 205 did not join a DSS 200, cloud plug and play
module 380 can be configured to repeat block 1310 and resend a
discovery message.
[0361] If a response was received, cloud plug and play module 380
can be configured to check if the responses refer to a single DSS
200 (e.g. according to the received DSS 200 identifiers) (block
1320). If so, cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to
join computer node 205 to the detected DSS 200 (block 1325). It is
to be noted that as a result of joining a DSS 200, computer node
205 can automatically begin sending and receiving various
notifications, as detailed herein.
[0362] If more than one DSS 200 is detected (e.g. more than one DSS
200 identifier is received as a response to the discovery message),
cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to check if a
default DSS 200 exists (block 1330). For this purpose, in some
cases, an indication of a default DSS 200 can be retrieved from a
local registry (e.g. a data repository accessible on the local
network), from a Domain Name System (e.g. under a pre-defined DNS
record, etc.), etc. In some cases an indication of a default DNS
200 can be sent by one of the responding computer nodes 205 whose
response can include an indication of the default DSS 200. It is to
be noted that other methods and techniques for identifying a
default DSS 200 can be used as well.
[0363] If such default DSS 200 exists, cloud plug and play module
380 can be configured to join computer node 205 to the default DSS
200 (block 1325). If no default DSS 200 is detected, an indication
of the new computer node 205 can be provided to a user for its
selection of the DSS 200 to which the new computer node 205 is to
join, and cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to wait
for such selection (block 1335). Once a selection is made, cloud
plug and play module 380 can be configured to join computer node
205 to the selected DSS 200 (block 1325).
[0364] In some cases, upon detection of a new network connection
(block 1305), cloud plug and play module 380 can be additionally or
alternatively configured to look up a local registry (e.g. a data
repository accessible on the local network) and/or a global
registry (e.g. a data repository accessible on the Internet)
registry service, for example on a pre-defined network address
and/or on a directory service (e.g. DNS, Active Directory, etc.)
(block 1340). Such registry service can enable inter alia
identification of available DSS's 200 and/or a default DSS 200.
[0365] Cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to check if
a local registry is found (block 1345), and if so, it can be
configured to register on the local registry (if it is not already
registered) (block 1355). Such registration can include storing
various configuration parameters related to the local computer node
205 in the registry. Cloud plug and play module 380 can be further
configured to check if a policy defined by the local registry
allows global registration (block 1355). If so, or in case that no
local registry is found, cloud plug and play module 380 can be
configured to check if a global registry is found (block 1360). If
so--cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to register on
the global registry (if it is not already registered) (block 1365).
Such registration can include storing various configuration
parameters related to the local computer node 205 in the
registry.
[0366] Following registration on the global registry or in case the
policy defined by the local registry does not allow global
registration, cloud plug and play module 380 can be configured to
jump to block 1320 and continue from there.
[0367] It is to be noted that other methods can be used in order to
join a new computer node 205 to a DSS 200, both automatically and
manually, and the methods provided herein are mere examples.
[0368] It is to be noted that utilization of the cloud plug and
play module 380 can enable computer nodes 205 to be seamlessly
added and/or removed and/or attached and/or detached from the
network, at any time, including during operation of DSS 200, and in
some cases without performing any management action by a user
(including, inter alia, any preliminary management action),
provided that a UDSP agent 220 is installed on the computer node
205 (a detailed description of a UDSP agent 220 is provided
herein). It is to be further noted that optionally, following
addition and/or removal and/or attachment and/or detachment of one
or more computer nodes 205 from the network, no user is required
for enabling continued operation of the DSS 200.
[0369] It is to be noted that, with reference to FIG. 14, some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0370] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 15, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for receiving a notification from a
remote computer node and updating a Unified Distributed Storage
Platform (UDSP) data repository accordingly, according to certain
examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0371] In some cases, remote nodes parameters monitoring module 370
of a UDSP agent 220 of a computer node 205 can be configured to
receive various notifications (general notifications and/or
notifications originating from a source to which computer node 205
registered in order to receive messages from) originating from
other computer nodes 205 and/or client servers 218 and/or gateway
resources 216 and/or users, etc. (block 1410).
[0372] In some cases, remote nodes parameters monitoring module 370
can be configured to update UDSP data repository 330 accordingly
(block 1420).
[0373] It is to be noted that such data stored in UDSP data
repository 330 can be used in order to locally maintain knowledge
of the DSS 200 state (e.g. its dynamic behavior, etc.) or parts
thereof which are relevant for the processes carried out by the
computer node 205, as detailed herein.
[0374] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 15, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0375] Having described the DSS 200, there follows a description of
a system and method for managing cache resources in a DSS 200. As
indicated herein, infrastructure layer 201 can comprise one or
more, and in some cases two or more, computer nodes 205.
Infrastructure layer 201 can further comprise one or more cache
resources 212 and/or resources that can be used as cache resources
(e.g. RAM, DRAM, SSD 213, etc.). Each cache resource 212 and/or
resource that can be used as a cache resource can be connected to
one or more computer nodes 205 (e.g. directly, by a network, etc.).
As further indicated above, each computer node 205 can have a UDSP
agent 220 installed thereon (or otherwise associated
therewith).
[0376] As indicated herein, UDSP agent 220 can comprise a cache
management module 397. The cache management module 397 can be
configured to handle various cache related operations, inter alia
over one or more cache resources on which standard and/or dedicated
caching algorithms, methods and techniques are operating. The cache
management module 397 can be configured to manage the cache
mappings of the object spaces stored on the one or more cache
resources connected to one or more computer nodes 205 connected to
DSS 200.
[0377] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating cache
management module, according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
[0378] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, cache management module 397 can comprise one or
more of the following modules: Local cache resources management
module 2510, Remote cache resources monitoring module 2520, cache
handoff module 2530 and object requests management module 2540.
[0379] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be
configured to manage local cache resources of a computer node 205,
as further detailed herein, inter alia with respect to FIG. 17.
[0380] Remote cache resources monitoring module 2520 can be
configured to monitor remote cache resources of remote computer
nodes 205 and issue handoff recommendations and/or instructions
accordingly, as further detailed herein, inter alia with respect to
FIG. 18.
[0381] Cache handoff module 2530 can be configured to perform
various cache handoff related processes, as further detailed
herein, inter alia with respect to FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0382] Object requests management module 2540 can be configured to
manage object related requests received during handoff, as further
detailed herein, inter alia with respect to FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0383] It is to be noted that according to some examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter, some or all of the cache
management module 397 modules can be combined and provided as a
single module, or, by way of example, at least one of them can be
realized in a form of two or more modules.
[0384] Attention is drawn to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart
illustrating a sequence of operations carried out for managing
local cache resources of a computer node, according to certain
examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0385] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, local cache resources management module 2510 can be
configured to monitor various cache related parameters, including
parameters of the cache resources connected to the computer node
205 (block 1510).
[0386] Cache related parameters 205 can include node-level cache
related parameters corresponding to computer node 205 and/or
resources (including cache resources) connected thereto (e.g. load
parameters, performance parameters, presence parameters,
availability parameters, faults parameters, capability parameters,
response time parameters, connectivity parameters, costs
parameters, location parameters, etc.). Cache related parameters
can additionally or alternatively include object-level cache
related parameters (e.g. location of the cached object, type of
media on which the object is cached, etc.) pertaining to the cached
objects (e.g. objects cached on the cache resources). Cache related
parameters can still additionally or alternatively include external
cache related parameters, such as parameters of various entities
using the cache (e.g. client servers 218, etc.).
[0387] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be still
further configured to receive third party recommendations (e.g. a
recommendation from a remote computer node 205) to perform cache
handoff (as further detailed below, inter alia with respect to FIG.
18). It is to be noted that such third party recommendations can
include data of one or more cache related parameters, such data can
in some cases include cache related parameters indicative of the
reason according to which the third party recommends performing
cache handoff. In case of receiving third party recommendations,
local cache resources management module 2510 can be configured to
determine if such received parameters are preferable (e.g. new
and/or more updated parameters are received) over the locally known
parameters (e.g. parameters stored on the UDSP data repository 330
associated with computer node 205), and if so--take them into
consideration, in addition and/or instead of locally known
parameters, in the following blocks.
[0388] It is to be noted that such monitoring can be performed
periodically (e.g. according to a pre-defined time interval, for
example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or any other
pre-defined time interval), continuously (e.g. in a repeating loop,
etc.), following a triggering event (e.g. connection/disconnection
of a storage-related resource, including a cache resource, to/from
the computer node 205, etc.), etc.
[0389] It is to be noted that in some cases, the monitoring of
cache related parameters can be performed by local parameters
monitoring module 360, as further detailed herein, inter alia with
respect to FIG. 12.
[0390] In case a change in the value of one or more of the
monitored parameters is detected and/or any new parameter is
detected and/or any parameter is no longer detected (e.g. a certain
cache resource is removed, etc.) and/or periodically (e.g.
according to a pre-defined or calculated time interval, for
example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or any other
pre-defined time interval), local cache resources management module
2510 can be configured to check if the monitored parameters
indicate a breach of one or more cache related requirements defined
by one or more SLSs. Such a check can be performed, for example, by
evaluating the monitored parameters in light of the SLSs associated
with objects that are currently cached on the cache resource and/or
objects that are mapped to the cache resource (using any of the
mappings detailed herein), e.g. in light of the SLSs associated
with the logical storage entities with which such objects are
associated.
[0391] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be further
configured to determine if the monitored parameters meet one or
more First SLS-criteria such as one or more high watermarks (e.g.
predefined maximal thresholds, calculated maximal thresholds,
etc.), associated with such cache related SLSs, indicating nearing
breaching (or breaching) of one or more such SLSs.
[0392] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be still
further configured to determine if the monitored parameters
indicate a breach or nearing such a breach (e.g. according to one
or more First SLS-criteria such as one or more high watermarks) of
one or more thresholds and/or SLSs that refer to the DSS 200 or
parts thereof (e.g. maximal allowed site-level over-commit, maximal
allowed overall over-commit, various security parameters, etc.)
(block 1520).
[0393] It is to be noted that, for these purposes, local cache
resources management module 2510 can be configured to retrieve the
relevant SLSs from UDSP data repository 330.
[0394] If there is an SLS breach or an SLS is nearing being
breached or there is breach of one or more parameters that refer to
the DSS 200 or parts thereof, local cache resources management
module 2510 can be configured to search one or more handoff targets
(e.g. another, remote, computer node 205 having one or more cache
resources 212, and/or one or more resources that can be used as a
cache resource, connected thereto) to which the first, local,
computer node 205 (the handoff initiator) is capable of
transferring ownership (e.g. responsibility for handling) of one or
more cache object spaces, so that all cache-related SLSs, and/or
thresholds and/or SLSs that refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof
(e.g. maximal allowed site-level over-commit, maximal allowed
overall over-commit, various security parameters, etc.), will be
met post transfer (block 1530). Cache-related SLSs are any SLSs
containing requirements that refer to, and/or affect, one or more
cached objects, and/or one or more computer nodes 205 containing
such objects and/or cache resources associated therewith, and/or
any entity associated with such computer nodes 205.
[0395] It is to be noted that a handoff initiator can be
responsible for handling one or more object spaces relating to one
or more logical storage entities. A handoff (transfer of ownership)
of one or more cache object spaces or portions thereof results in
the handoff target receiving ownership of the transferred one or
more cache object spaces, or portions thereof.
[0396] In some cases, local cache resources management module 2510
can be further configured to search for handoff targets to which
the local computer node 205 (handoff initiator) is capable of
transferring ownership of one or more cache object spaces, in some
cases so that one or more Second SLS-criteria, such as the handoff
target's mid watermarks (e.g. predefined middle thresholds,
calculated middle thresholds, etc.), associated with one or more of
the cache-related SLSs, are met.
[0397] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be further
configured to check if one or more handoff targets are found (block
1540). If not, in some cases, local cache resources management
module 2510 can be configured to report to a user that there are
insufficient cache resources (insufficient resources error) and,
optionally, recommend to a user, actions to be performed for
allowing the cache resources to meet the requirements of the one or
more cache-related SLSs (e.g. adding cache resources, etc.).
[0398] If one or more handoff targets are found, local cache
resources management module 2510 can be configured to initiate a
handoff process with one or more of the detected handoff targets
(block 1560), as further detailed, inter alia with reference to
FIG. 20. In some cases, following initiation of a handoff process,
local cache resources management module 2510 can be configured to
return to block 1510 and continue monitoring cache parameters.
[0399] It is to be noted that in some cases, as a non-limiting
example, the selection of the one or more handoff targets can be
performed by randomly selecting (or selecting according to any
other rule, etc.) one or more of the possible handoff targets that
were found in block 1530. As another non-limiting example, the
selection of the one or more handoff targets can be performed by
operating any type of ranking algorithm to rank the suitability of
one or more of the possible handoff targets that were found in
block 1530 and selecting the most suitable ones.
[0400] In case, following monitoring cache related parameters
pertaining to cache resources connected to the local computer node
205, and/or to receipt of third party recommendations to perform
cache handoff, there is no SLS breach or no crossing of one or more
First SLS-criteria (e.g. a high watermark), local cache resources
management module 2510 can be further configured to check if any of
the monitored cache related parameters do not meet one or more
Third SLS-criteria, such as low watermarks (e.g. predefined minimal
thresholds, calculated minimal thresholds, etc.) associated with
one or more cache-related SLSs and/or thresholds and/or SLSs that
refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof (e.g. maximal allowed
site-level over-commit, maximal allowed overall over-commit,
various security parameters, etc.), and, hence, it is considered
underutilized (block 1570). If the local computer node's 205 cache
resources are not underutilized, local cache resources management
module 2510 can be configured to return to block 1510 and continue
monitoring cache parameters.
[0401] If one or more of the local computer node's 205 cache
resources, or parts thereof, are underutilized, local cache
resources management module 2510 can be configured to search for
one or more handoff targets to which the local computer node 205 is
capable of transferring ownership of one or more cache object
spaces, so that all cache-related SLSs and/or thresholds and/or
SLSs that refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof (e.g. maximal
allowed site-level over-commit, maximal allowed overall
over-commit, various security parameters, etc.) will be met post
transfer (block 1580). In some cases, local cache resources
management module 2510 can be further configured to search for
handoff targets to which the local computer node 205 is capable of
transferring ownership of one or more cache object spaces, so that
the handoff target's Second SLSs criteria, such as mid watermarks
(e.g. predefined middle thresholds, calculated middle thresholds,
etc.), associated with one or more of the cache-related SLSs, are
met.
[0402] It is to be noted that in some cases, as a non-limiting
example, the selection of the one or more handoff targets can be
performed by randomly selecting (or selecting according to any
other rule, etc.) one or more of the possible handoff targets that
were found in block 1530. As another non-limiting example, the
selection of the one or more handoff targets can be performed by
operating any type of ranking algorithm (such as algorithms that
promote consolidation of cached object mappings, etc.) to rank the
suitability of one or more of the possible handoff targets that
were found in block 1530 and selecting the most suitable ones.
[0403] It is to be noted that such transfer of cached objects can
result in releasing cache resources that can be, for example,
utilized, if possible, for other purposes, either of the DSS 200 or
of any other entity. Such transfer of cached objects can also
result in enabling turning off the cache resources if they are
entirely released (no more objects are cached thereon and no entity
is using it), thus resulting in reduction of power consumption.
[0404] Local cache resources management module 2510 can be further
configured to check if one or more handoff targets are found (block
1590). If one or more handoff targets are found, local cache
resources management module 2510 can be configured to initiate a
handoff process with one or more of the detected handoff targets
(block 1560), as further detailed, inter alia with reference to
FIG. 20.
[0405] In some cases, following initiation of a handoff process,
local cache resources management module 2510 can be configured to
return to block 1510 and continue monitoring cache parameters.
[0406] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 17, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0407] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 18, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for monitoring remote cache resources of
remote computer nodes, according to certain examples of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
[0408] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, remote cache resources monitoring module 2520 can
be configured to monitor various cache related parameters,
including parameters of the cache resources connected to one or
more remote computer node 205 (block 1510). Cache related
parameters 205 can include node-level cache related parameters of
remote computer nodes 205 and/or resources (including cache
resources) connected thereto (e.g. load parameters, performance
parameters, presence parameters, availability parameters, faults
parameters, capability parameters, response time parameters,
connectivity parameters, costs parameters, location parameters,
etc.). Cache related parameters can additionally or alternatively
include object-level cache related parameters (e.g. location of the
cached object, type of media on which the object is cached, etc.)
pertaining to the cached objects. Cache related parameters can
still additionally or alternatively include external cache related
parameters, such as parameters of various entities using the cache
(e.g. client servers 218, etc.) (block 1610).
[0409] For this purpose, remote cache resources monitoring module
2520 can be configured to retrieve relevant cache related
parameters from UDSP data repository 330.
[0410] Remote cache resources monitoring module 2520 can be
configured to utilize such parameters in order to determine if one
or more handoff recommendations should be issued (block 1620).
[0411] It is to be noted that a handoff recommendation should be
issued, for example, if the monitored cache related parameters
indicate a breach or are nearing such a breach (e.g. according to
one or more First SLS-criteria such as one or more high watermarks)
of one or more cache related SLSs (any SLSs containing requirements
that refer to, and/or affect, one or more cached objects, and/or
one or more computer nodes 205 containing such objects and/or cache
resources associated therewith, and/or any entity associated with
such computer nodes 205) and/or thresholds and/or SLSs that refer
to the DSS 200 or parts thereof (e.g. maximal allowed site-level
over-commit, maximal allowed overall over-commit, various security
parameters, etc.).
[0412] As another example, in some cases, a handoff recommendation
should be issued if any of the monitored cache related parameters
crossed one or more Third SLS-criteria, such as low watermarks
(e.g. predefined minimal thresholds, calculated minimal thresholds,
etc.) and, hence, it is considered underutilized, etc.
[0413] It is to be noted that, for this purpose, remote cache
resources management module 2520 can be configured to retrieve the
relevant SLSs from UDSP data repository 330.
[0414] If a handoff recommendation should be issued, remote cache
resources monitoring module 2520 can be configured to issue such a
notification to one or more computer nodes 205 whose monitored
parameters indicate an SLS breach, nearing such a breach or
underutilization as detailed herein (block 1630).
[0415] In some cases, remote cache resources monitoring module 2520
can be configured to additionally or alternatively provide one or
more handoff instructions. A handoff recommendation can be refused
by a handoff target/initiator whilst a handoff instruction can be a
command to perform cache handoff. In some cases such a handoff
instruction can be issued to one or more handoff initiators,
causing it to search for a handoff target and initiate a handoff
therewith. In some cases, such a handoff instruction can be issued
to one or more handoff initiators and one or more respective
handoff targets with which a handoff can be performed, causing the
one or more handoff initiators to initiate a handoff with the
respective one or more handoff targets.
[0416] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 18, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0417] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 19, illustrating various
scenarios of distributing cache resources, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0418] Looking at FIG. 19, it can be appreciated that computer node
w/cache 2010 (when reference is made to a computer node w/cache, it
refers to a computer node 205 having cache resources connected
thereto), can, in some cases, act as a handoff initiator
transferring ownership of one or more cache object spaces or parts
thereof to computer node w/cache 2020, and as a handoff target
receiving ownership of one or more cache object spaces, or parts
thereof, for example from computer node w/cache 2030. It is to be
noted that in some cases, computer node w/cache 2010 can
simultaneously act as a handoff initiator and as a handoff
target.
[0419] In some cases a certain computer node w/cache, e.g. computer
node w/cache 2030 can act as a handoff initiator performing handoff
with more than one other handoff targets, e.g. with computer node
w/cache 2010 and computer node w/cache 2040, in some cases
simultaneously.
[0420] In some cases a certain computer node w/cache, e.g. computer
node w/cache 2040 can act as a handoff target performing handoff
with more than one other handoff initiators, e.g. with computer
node w/cache 2030 and computer node w/cache 2050, in some cases
simultaneously.
[0421] In some cases a certain computer node w/cache, e.g. computer
node w/cache 2090 can act as a handoff target performing handoff
with a handoff initiator, e.g. with computer node w/cache 2095 and
act as a handoff initiator performing handoff with the same handoff
initiator, e.g. with computer node w/cache 2095, now acting as a
handoff target, in some cases simultaneously. Thus, for example,
computer node w/cache 2095 can initiate a handoff with computer
node w/cache 2090, while computer node w/cache 2090 can initiate a
handoff with computer node w/cache 2095, in some cases
simultaneously.
[0422] In some cases a certain computer node (with or without cache
resources connected thereto), e.g. computer node 205, can be
configured to recommend one or more computer nodes w/cache, e.g.
computer node w/cache 2080 and computer node w/cache 2070, to
initiate one or more handoffs with one or more handoff targets.
[0423] In some cases a certain client server, e.g. client server
218, can be configured to recommend one or more computer nodes
w/cache, e.g. computer node w/cache 2070, to initiate one or more
handoffs with one or more handoff targets.
[0424] In some cases a certain gateway resource, e.g. gateway
resource 216, can be configured to recommend one or more computer
nodes w/cache, e.g. computer node w/cache 2080, to initiate one or
more handoffs with one or more handoff targets (such handoffs in
which computer node w/cache 2080 is initiating a handoff according
to such a recommendation are not shown in the drawing).
[0425] In some cases a certain computer node w/cache, e.g. computer
node w/cache 2070 and computer node w/cache 2080, can be configured
to receive one or more recommendations from one or more computer
nodes (with or without cache resources connected thereto) and/or
client servers and/or gateway resources, e.g. computer node 205,
gateway resource 216, client server 218, to initiate one or more
handoffs with one or more handoff targets.
[0426] In some cases a certain computer node w/cache, e.g. computer
node w/cache 2070, can be configured to receive one or more
recommendations from one or more computer nodes (with or without
cache resources connected thereto) and/or client servers and/or
gateway resources, e.g. computer node 205, client server 218, to
initiate one or more handoffs with one or more handoff targets, and
act as a handoff initiator transferring ownership of one or more
cache object spaces or parts thereof to another computer node
w/cache, e.g. computer node w/cache 2080, in some cases
simultaneously.
[0427] It is to be noted, as any person of ordinary skill in the
art can appreciate, that the scenarios exemplified above are mere
examples and numerous other scenarios, not presented in the
illustration provided in FIG. 19, can exist.
[0428] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 20, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for performing a cache handoff by a
handoff initiator, according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
[0429] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, cache handoff module 2530 associated with a handoff
initiator (a computer node 205 having cache resources connected
thereto that is initiating transfer of ownership of one or more
cache object spaces, or parts thereof, to another computer node 205
having cache resources connected thereto) can be configured to
start handoff of ownership of one or more cache object spaces, or
parts thereof (block 1710).
[0430] For this purpose, cache handoff module 2530 can be
configured to create a new post-handoff cache mapping indicative of
the post handoff location of each of the cache object spaces, or
parts thereof affected by the handoff process (block 1720).
[0431] It is to be noted that each client server 218 (or any other
user of DSS 200) can have one or more local cache mappings
indicative of one or more computer nodes 205 handling cache object
spaces, relating to one or more logical storage entities to which
the client server 218 (or any other user of DSS 200) refers. It can
be appreciated that cache handoffs require updating of such one or
more cache mappings accordingly, as further detailed, inter alia
with reference to block 1770.
[0432] In some non-limiting examples, such cache mapping can be
described by using a hierarchical structure of partitioning
functions that reflects, in a compact manner, any partitioning,
merge and location changes of the cache object spaces, resulting
from handoff processes. Some examples of such partitioning
functions are hash functions, splitting odd and even addressed
objects, etc. It is to be noted that such cache mapping description
manners and such partitioning functions are mere examples and any
other known method and/or techniques can be utilized additionally
or alternatively.
[0433] Cache handoff module 2530 can be further configured to enter
a "handoff in progress" state, for example by setting a local flag
indicative of such a state (block 1730), and send a "handoff start"
notification, including the post-handoff cache mapping, to a
handoff target (a computer node 205 having cache resources
connected thereto that is selected to receive ownership of one or
more cache object spaces or parts thereof, from the handoff
initiator) to which the handoff is requested, indicative of its
request to initiate a handoff process therewith (block 1740). Cache
handoff module 2530 can be further configured to wait (e.g. for a
predetermined or calculated time-frame, etc.) for a response to the
handoff request from the handoff target. It is to be noted that a
handoff target can accept such a handoff request, refuse such a
handoff request, or partially accept such a handoff request (e.g.
accept receiving ownership of only part of the one or more cache
object spaces or parts thereof that the handoff initiator is trying
to transfer thereto, etc.).
[0434] Cache handoff module 2530 can be also configured to check if
the handoff request has been accepted by the handoff target (block
1750). If the handoff request has been refused (or, in some cases,
if no response was received within a pre-determined time-frame,
etc.), cache handoff module 2530 can be configured to exit the
"handoff in progress" state (block 1760).
[0435] If however, the request was accepted, cache handoff module
2530 can be configured to send the post-handoff cache mapping to
one or more client servers 218 (or any other relevant user of DSS
200), for example to client servers 218 that are associated with
the one or more cache object spaces (e.g. that have access rights
to the logical storage entities associated therewith), or parts
thereof, to be transferred (block 1770). It is to be noted that in
some cases, the new cache mapping can be sent to every client
server 218 (or any other relevant user of DSS 200) connected to DSS
200.
[0436] In addition, cache handoff module 2530 can be configured to
transfer ownership of non-dirty cached objects (cache objects that
were not modified since last saved to persistent storage associated
with the relevant cache object space) that have been mapped to the
handoff target in the post handoff cache mapping, to the handoff
target, for example by sending such cached objects (e.g. by
transmitting their data) to the handoff target and/or by
"forgetting" them (e.g. by marking them as deleted or physically
deleting them from the handoff initiator's cache resources) (block
1780).
[0437] Still additionally, cache handoff module 2530 can be
configured to transfer ownership of dirty cache objects (cache
objects that were modified since last saved to persistent storage
associated with the relevant cache object space) that are mapped to
the handoff target in the post-handoff cache mapping, by flushing
them (saving them to the persistent storage associated with the
relevant cache object space) and/or by sending such cached objects
(e.g. by transmitting their data) to the handoff target, and then
"forgetting" them (block 1790).
[0438] In some cases, cache handoff module 2530 can be further
configured to send a "handoff finished" notification to the handoff
target, indicating that the handoff has been performed (block
1795), and to exit the "handoff in progress" state (block 1760). In
some cases, block 1795 can be performed only after execution of
blocks 1780 and 1790 is completed.
[0439] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 20, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0440] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 21, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for performing a cache handoff by a
handoff target, according to certain examples of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
[0441] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, cache handoff module 2530 associated with a handoff
target can be configured to receive a "handoff start" notification
(including the post-handoff cache mapping) from a handoff
initiator, save a backup copy of the local pre-handoff cache
mapping, update the cache mapping according to the post-handoff
cache mapping received from the handoff initiator and enter a
"handoff in-progress" state (block 1810).
[0442] Cache handoff module 2530 can, in some cases, be further
configured to check if the handoff request received from the
handoff initiator is acceptable (block 1820), for example according
to the handoff target knowledge of cache-related SLSs, and/or
thresholds and/or SLSs that refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof
(e.g. maximal allowed site-level over-commit, maximal allowed
overall over-commit, various security parameters, etc.), and/or
cache-related parameters stored in the UDSP data repository 330
associated with it.
[0443] It can be appreciated that in some cases a handoff target
can have access to information about the cache-related SLSs, and/or
thresholds and/or SLSs that refer to the DSS 200 or parts thereof
(e.g. maximal allowed site-level over-commit, maximal allowed
overall over-commit, various security parameters, etc.), and/or
cache-related parameters associated therewith and/or with the cache
resources connected thereto, different than such information that
the handoff initiator has access to (and in some cases, new and/or
more updated information). For example, in some cases, by the time
that a handoff request is received by a handoff target, one or more
parameters relating to the cache resources connected thereto have
already changed.
[0444] If the handoff request is not acceptable (e.g. based on the
handoff target knowledge), cache handoff module 2530 can be
configured to send a refusal notification to the handoff initiator
(indicating that the handoff target does not accept the handoff
request sent by the handoff initiator), restore the local
pre-handoff cache mapping (saved for backup in block 1810), and
exit the "handoff in-progress" state (block 1830).
[0445] If the handoff request is acceptable, cache handoff module
2530 can be configured to send an acceptance notification to the
handoff initiator (indicating that the handoff target accepts the
handoff request sent by the handoff initiator) (block 1840). In
such cases, cache handoff module 2530 can be configured to wait for
a "handoff finished" notification, indicating that the one or more
cache object space, or parts thereof, have been transferred to the
responsibility of the handoff target, and once such a notification
is received, exit the "handoff in-progress" state (block 1850).
[0446] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 21, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0447] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 22, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for handling an object related request
received by a handoff initiator during handoff, according to
certain examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0448] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, object requests management module 2540 associated
with a handoff initiator can be configured to receive an object
related request (e.g. a read/write request) relating to an object
within the pre-handoff and/or post-handoff cache mappings, for
example from a client (e.g. a client server 218, a gateway resource
216, or any other source), during handoff (block 1910).
[0449] It is to be noted that in some cases, the requesting client
can send the request prior to updating its local cache mapping
according to the post-handoff cache mapping (as, in some cases, the
post-handoff cache mapping is not received by the client
immediately, for example due to heavy traffic on the network or for
any other reason). Thus such an object related request can be sent
to the handoff initiator while the requested object is no longer
owned (e.g. handled) by it. Accordingly, upon receipt of such an
object related request, object requests management module 2540 can
be configured to check if the requested object is under the
ownership of the handoff initiator according to the post-handoff
cache mapping (block 1920) and if so--object requests management
module 2540 can be configured to process the request (block
1930).
[0450] However, if the handoff initiator is not the owner of the
requested object according to the post-handoff cache mapping, then
object requests management module 2540 can be configured to check
if the requested object is still under the ownership of the handoff
initiator (e.g. as the handoff initiator did not transfer the
ownership over the requested object yet) (block 1940).
[0451] If such a requested object is still owned by the handoff
initiator, object requests management module 2540 can be configured
to process the request (block 1930). However, if such a requested
object is no longer owned by the handoff initiator, object requests
management module 2540 can be configured to relay the object
related request to the handoff target (block 1950).
[0452] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 22, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
[0453] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 23, illustrating a sequence
of operations carried out for handling an object related request,
relating to an object included in the post-handoff cache mapping,
received by a handoff target during handoff, according to certain
examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0454] According to some examples of the presently disclosed
subject matter, object requests management module 2540 associated
with a handoff target can be configured to receive an object
related request (e.g. a read/write request) relating to an object
within the post-handoff cache mappings, for example from a client
(e.g. a client server 218, a gateway resource 216, or any other
source) or from a handoff initiator (block 2110). Upon receipt of
such a request, object requests management module 2540 can be
configured to check if the request originated from a handoff
initiator (block 2120).
[0455] As indicated herein, a handoff initiator will relay an
object related request to a handoff target following a
determination that the handoff initiator is not the owner of the
requested object according to the post-handoff cache mapping and
that the handoff initiator is not the current owner of the
requested object (an indication that the handoff initiator is still
the owner can be, for example, that the object is still dirty in
the handoff initiator's cache, etc.). Thus, whenever the request
originates from a handoff initiator, object requests management
module 2540 can be configured to process the request (block 2130),
as this indicates that the handoff initiator has already
transferred ownership of the requested object to the handoff
target.
[0456] If the request did not originate from a handoff initiator,
object requests management module 2540 can be configured to check
if the requested object is owned by the handoff target (as, for
example, the handoff target has already received ownership of the
requested object from the handoff initiator, etc.) (block 2140). If
it is owned by the handoff target, object requests management
module 2540 can be configured to process the request (block
2130).
[0457] If the requested object is not owned by the handoff target
(as, for example, the requested object ownership was not yet
transferred and the handoff process did not end), object requests
management module 2540 can be configured to relay the request to
the handoff initiator (block 2150). It is to be noted that such
scenario can result, for example, from the fact that a certain user
can have an updated post-handoff cache mapping, indicating that the
requested object is mapped to the handoff target, whereas, while it
requests the requested object, the handoff process is still
on-going and thus the requested object ownership was not yet
transferred to the handoff target.
[0458] It is to be noted, with reference to FIG. 23, that some of
the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be
broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added.
Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a
different order than described herein. It should be also be noted
that whilst the flow diagrams are described also with reference to
the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means
binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than
those described herein.
* * * * *