Patent ID: 8176405
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for validating data in a data storage system, the method comprising: associating a first data chunk with first check data calculated for the first data chunk, so that the first check data is accessed together with the first data chunk in a single input/output (I/O) operation directed to the first data chunk, wherein first data is stored across one or more storage devices in data chunks, so that the first data chunk and first check data are stored on a first storage device, and one or more additional associated data chunks of the first data and associated additional check data are stored on at least one of the first storage device or one or more additional storage devices; storing at least a portion of the first check data and at least a portion of the additional check data to a second storage device, so that the portion of the first check data is accessed together with the portion of the additional check data in a single I/O operation directed to the second storage device, wherein the second storage device is distinct from the first storage device and the additional storage devices; and minimizing I/O access to the second storage device by retaining at least a portion of the first check data and at least a portion of the additional check data in a readily accessible storage medium, during servicing of a first I/O request, wherein the associating, storing, and minimizing are performed by one or more drive proxies implemented to virtualize the first storage device and the additional storage devices.