Logical sector mapping in a flash storage array

A method for use in a storage system, the method comprising:

• storing a mapping table that includes a plurality of entries, each of the mapping table entries comprising a tuple including a key;
• and
• storing a mapping table index that includes a plurality of entries;
• wherein the mapping table is organized as a hierarchy including a plurality of time ordered levels such that younger levels of the plurality of time ordered levels appear higher in the hierarchy than older levels of the plurality of time ordered levels, each level comprising one or more mapping table entries;
• in response to receiving a request comprising a first key:
• determining if a duplicate key corresponding to the first key exists in the mapping table;
• and
• creating a new level to be added to the plurality of levels, in response to determining the duplicate key exists.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instruction executable by a processor to:

• store a mapping table that includes a plurality of entries, each of the mapping table entries comprising a tuple including a key;
• and
• store a mapping table index that includes a plurality of entries;
• wherein the mapping table is organized as a hierarchy including a plurality of time ordered levels such that younger levels of the plurality of time ordered levels appear higher in the hierarchy than older levels of the plurality of time ordered levels, each level comprising one or more mapping table entries;
• in response to receiving a request comprising a first key:
• determine if a duplicate key corresponding to the first key exists in the mapping table;
• and
• create a new level to be added to the plurality of levels, in response to determining the duplicate key exists.