Storage and Bandwidth Optimized Reliable Distributed Data Allocation Algorithm

Distributed storage allocation problems are an important optimization problem in reliable distributed storage, which aims to minimize storage cost while maximizing error recovery probability by optimal storage of data in distributed storage nodes. A key characteristic of distributed storage is that data is stored in remote servers across a network. Thus, network resources especially communication links are an expensive and non-trivial resource which should be optimized as well. In this article, the authors present a simulation-based study of the network characteristics of a distributed storage network in the light of several allocation patterns. By varying the allocation patterns, the authors have demonstrated the interdependence between network bandwidth, defined in terms of link capacity and allocation pattern using network throughput as a metric. Motivated by observing the importance of network resource as an important cost metric, the authors have formalized an optimization problem that jointly minimizes both the storage cost and the cost of network resources. A hybrid meta heuristic algorithm is employed that solves this optimization problem by allocating data in a distributed storage system. Experimental results validate the efficacy of the algorithm.