Adapting Cache Processing Using Phase Libraries and Real Time Simulators

A method performed by a storage system, the method comprising:

• matching an input/output (I/O) stream with a first I/O pattern in a library of pre-defined caching policies,
• wherein the first I/O pattern is associated with first cache settings in the library;
• applying the first cache settings to the I/O stream based on the matching;
• simulating caching of data within the I/O stream using a plurality of other cache settings;
• applying second cache settings to the I/O stream based on results of the simulating;
• and
• updating the library to include an entry corresponding to the second cache settings and a second I/O pattern associated with the I/O stream.

A storage controller comprising:

• a memory having stored thereon instructions for performing a method of data caching in a storage system;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to:
• cache data from an input/output (I/O) stream using first cache settings;
• simulate the caching of the data from the input/output (I/O) stream according to a plurality of different cache settings;
• and
• apply second cache settings in the storage system in response to results of simulating the caching.