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VergeOS vSAN Block-Level Architecture and Data Distribution#

Overview#

VergeOS vSAN employs a sophisticated block-level architecture that forms the foundation of its distributed storage system. This architecture enables efficient data distribution, high availability, and optimal performance across the entire storage infrastructure.

Block-Level Operations#

Data Block Management#

  • Block Creation:
    • VM disks are divided into multiple blocks
    • Each block is assigned a unique cryptographic hash
    • Block size is optimized for performance and efficiency
    • Metadata tracks block relationships and locations

Hash-Based Distribution#

  • Block Identification:

    • Each data block receives a cryptographic hash value
    • Hash serves as a unique identifier for the block
    • Used for both location mapping and deduplication

  • Distribution Algorithm:

    • Blocks are distributed based on hash values
    • Ensures even distribution across available nodes
    • Prevents hot spots in the storage system
    • Facilitates efficient data retrieval

Data Distribution Architecture#

Primary Storage#

  • Block Placement:
    • Primary copy of each block stored on optimal node
    • Placement determined by hash-based algorithm
    • Considers storage tier requirements
    • Optimizes for performance and capacity

Primary Storage#

  • Access Patterns:
    • Reads prioritize single-copy access for efficiency
    • System defaults to reading from primary copy
    • Automatically reads from redundant copy if primary is slow/unresponsive
    • Optimizes by reading from local redundant copy when on same node
    • Write operations always update both primary and redundant copies
    • Automatic redistribution as needed

Data Access#

  • Read Operations:

    • Quick block location lookup via hash
    • Intelligent source selection:
      • Prioritizes primary copy
      • Uses local redundant copy when on same node
      • Fails over to redundant copy if primary is unresponsive
    • Optimized for minimal network traffic
    • Performance optimization through locality awareness

  • Write Operations:

    • New block hash generation
    • Simultaneous update of primary and redundant copies
    • Guaranteed write consistency across copies
    • Metadata updates
    • Consistency maintenance

Redundant Storage#

  • Redundancy Management:

    • Secondary copies maintained for data protection
    • Distribution across different nodes
    • Automatic synchronization of copies
    • Configurable redundancy levels

  • Failover Handling:

    • Automatic failover to redundant copies
    • Transparent to applications and VMs
    • Immediate availability during node failures
    • Self-healing capabilities

Hash Map Functionality#

Core Components#

  • Hash Map Structure:

    • Maps block hashes to physical locations
    • Maintains block metadata
    • Tracks redundant copies
    • Handles version control

  • Location Tracking:

    • Real-time block location updates
    • Efficient lookup mechanisms
    • Optimized for large-scale systems
    • Supports dynamic redistribution

Cross-Node Distribution#

Distribution Mechanics#

  • Node Management:

    • Dynamic node addition and removal
    • Automatic rebalancing
    • Workload distribution
    • Resource optimization

  • Data Flow:

    • Inter-node communication protocols
    • Efficient data transfer
    • Bandwidth optimization
    • Latency management

Performance Optimization#

Data Access Optimization#

  • Caching:

    • Block-level cache management
    • Frequently accessed data optimization
    • Cache coherency maintenance
    • Performance acceleration

  • I/O Path:

    • Optimized read/write paths
    • Minimal hop routing
    • Direct block access
    • Reduced latency

Efficiency Features#

  • Deduplication:

    • Block-level deduplication
    • Hash-based identification
    • Space efficiency
    • Performance impact management

  • Compression:

    • Inline compression
    • Algorithm optimization
    • Resource efficiency
    • Space savings

System Resilience#

Fault Tolerance#

  • Node Failures:

    • Automatic failure detection
    • Immediate failover
    • Data accessibility maintenance
    • Recovery initiation

  • Network Issues:

    • Path redundancy
    • Alternative route selection
    • Communication reliability
    • Performance maintenance

Data Integrity#

  • Block Validation:

    • Continuous integrity checking
    • Hash validation
    • Corruption detection
    • Automatic repair initiation

  • Consistency Maintenance:

    • Transaction consistency
    • Data coherency
    • Version control
    • Synchronization management

Scaling Considerations#

Horizontal Scaling (Scaling Out)#

  • Node Addition:

    • Seamless integration of new nodes
    • Requires minimum of two nodes per cluster for redundancy
    • New nodes must match existing cluster configuration:
      • Processor type
      • Memory configuration
      • Physical disk drive configuration
    • Maintains N+1 redundancy for high availability
    • Automatic data redistribution
    • Performance optimization
    • Capacity expansion

  • Cluster Expansion:

    • Linear scalability
    • Option to create new clusters if matching nodes unavailable
    • Each new cluster requires minimum of two matching nodes
    • Resource optimization
    • Performance maintenance
    • Balanced distribution

Vertical Scaling (Scaling Up)#

  • Resource Enhancement:
    • Storage capacity increase:
      • Requires equal drive additions across all cluster nodes
      • Maintains balanced storage distribution
    • Memory expansion:
      • Requires maintenance mode before power off
      • Ensures graceful workload migration
    • Performance improvement
    • Capability expansion
    • Efficiency optimization

Important

Consult with our support team to determine the optimal expansion strategy for your specific environment.

Architecture Diagram#

Understanding the Architecture Components#

The diagram above illustrates the core components and data flow of the VergeOS vSAN architecture:

VM and Data Blocks#

  • A VM (labeled "Server 1") with its disk file (server1_disk.raw) is shown
  • The disk is divided into multiple blocks (Block 1 through Block n)
  • Each block receives a cryptographic hash

Hash Map and Distribution#

  • The Hash Map component manages block distribution across the storage tier
  • Two main sections are shown:
  • Primary storage blocks (gray)
  • Redundant storage blocks (orange)
  • Each block entry contains:
  • Hash number
  • Tier assignment
  • Node location

Node Distribution#

  • Four nodes are shown (Node 1 through Node 4)
  • Each node contains multiple hash blocks
  • Block distribution is shown by dotted lines connecting:
  • Hash map entries to specific nodes
  • Primary copies (gray)
  • Redundant copies (orange)

This architecture enables:

  • Efficient data distribution
  • Built-in redundancy
  • Quick data recovery
  • Optimized performance
  • Scalable storage management

VergeOS vSAN Block Distribution Architecture