Providing consistent performance of block-storage volumes in cloud computing environments

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for providing a consistent experience for users of cloud-based block storage volumes. While cloud storage aims to remove hardware considerations for an end user's experience, block storage performance can nevertheless vary according to the underlying hardware used to support a volume or the specific network location of that hardware. Embodiments of the present disclosure address that inconsistent performance by associating a volume with a performance profile that sets a target latency for the volume. A storage client can then monitor observed latency for the volume and inject synthetic latency into input/output operations for the volume as calculated via a proportional-integral-derivative algorithm, such that the observed latency matches the target within the performance profile. This enables the cloud provider to vary physical hardware or network configurations without effect on block storage performance from the point of view of an end user.