Asynchronous Mirror Re-synchronization Without Data Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Re-synchronizing asynchronous data mirrors without data loss is challenging, as existing methods either result in data loss or require manual resolution of conflicting data sets, which is often impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that sequesters unique data from one volume while preserving its attributes, then copies unique data from the other volume to ensure synchronization without overwriting existing data, using a sequestered storage device to maintain data integrity and access characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one volume overwrites the other during re-synchronization, then synchronization is achieved, but unique data on the overwritten volume is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of unique data on both volumes before the re-synchronization process begins. By advance detecting which data blocks exist only on the first volume and which exist only on the second volume, the system prepares a preservation plan that prevents data loss during the subsequent overwrite operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a third volume as an intermediary storage destination. Unique data from the first volume is copied to this intermediate third volume before the second volume overwrites the first. This intermediary acts as a temporary holding area that allows the overwrite to proceed while preserving data that would otherwise be lost.
2Reliability
If manual resolution of conflicting data sets is required, then data integrity can be maintained, but operational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-service functionality that performs the entire re-synchronization process without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically identifies unique data, determines the appropriate preservation strategy, executes copies to intermediate storage, and completes the synchronization—all through automated algorithms rather than human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the synchronization process, detect conflicts between data sets, and automatically adjust the re-synchronization strategy based on the detected conditions. This closed-loop control enables the system to handle various conflict scenarios autonomously while maintaining data integrity.
3Loss of substance
If unique data from both volumes is preserved, then data loss is prevented, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data preservation strategy by identifying and separating unique data blocks from duplicate data blocks. Only the unique portions of data are preserved in the intermediate third volume, while duplicate data is recognized and avoided. This segmentation approach minimizes the amount of data that needs to be stored in the intermediate volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a temporary storage strategy where unique data is copied to the intermediate third volume only for the duration of the re-synchronization process. Once the synchronization is complete and verified, the intermediate volume can be cleared or reused, allowing the system to maintain data preservation while managing storage resources efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for re-synchronizing a broken asynchronous data mirror while preserving data that is unique to either a first volume or second volume making up the mirror are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a common data recovery point is determined. Based on the common data recovery point, data unique to a first volume is identified and sequestered by, for example, copying the unique data to a third volume on a re-synchronization data storage device. Next, that unique data is eliminated. Finally, data unique to the second volume is identified based on the common data recovery point. The data unique to the second volume is copied to the first volume, thereby synchronizing the two volumes.