Adaptive Data Container Replication for Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems are inefficient in replicating data containers, particularly directories, due to the time-consuming process of evaluating and translating multiple directory entries, which consumes computing resources.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive replication method that determines if the source and destination modules use the same directory version and layout, allowing for 'as-is' replication when they match, and evaluating each entry when they differ, thereby optimizing the replication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If each directory entry is evaluated and translated before replication, then replication accuracy is ensured, but replication time and computing resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by comparing directory version identifiers and layout information before performing the actual replication operation. The system checks whether the source and destination directories use the same version and layout format in advance, and only when they differ does it proceed to evaluate and translate each directory entry. This preliminary check avoids unnecessary entry-by-entry processing when versions match, thereby reducing replication time while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different directory versions and layouts with different processing strategies. When the source and destination directories use the same version and layout, the system applies a simple copy operation. When they differ, it applies the more complex evaluate-and-translate process only to the specific directory entries that require adaptation. This localized application of processing intensity optimizes both time and accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each directory entry is evaluated and translated before replication, then compatibility between different directory versions is ensured, but computing resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary comparison of directory version identifiers and layout information before initiating the replication process. This advance check allows the system to determine whether the source and destination directories are compatible without performing the full evaluation and translation of each entry. When versions match, compatibility is confirmed immediately, avoiding unnecessary computing resource consumption while still ensuring version compatibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing quality levels based on the specific directory version and layout compatibility requirements. For directories with matching versions and layouts, a lightweight validation is sufficient. For directories with different versions or layouts, the system applies the full evaluation and translation process only to the affected entries, thereby ensuring compatibility while minimizing computing resource consumption.
3Productivity
If directory version and layout are checked before replication, then unnecessary entry evaluation is avoided, but additional version checking steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates version and layout checking as preliminary steps that are performed once before the replication process begins. By checking the directory version identifiers and layout information in advance, the system determines the appropriate replication strategy (direct copy vs. evaluate-and-translate) for the entire directory. This preliminary check, while adding a step, prevents the need for evaluating every single directory entry when versions match, thereby improving overall replication efficiency despite the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data container replication method and system are provided. The data container includes a plurality of entries and is replicated from a source module to a destination module. The data container may be a directory that includes a plurality of files. Before replicating the directory, it is determined if the source module and the destination module use a same directory version and directory layout. If the directory version and layout are the same, then the entire directory is replicated “as is” without evaluating every directory entry. If the directory version or the directory layout is different, then each directory entry is evaluated, before being replicated.