Automated Replication Session Creation for Virtual Storage Processors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data storage replication methods require administrators to manually create multiple replication sessions for each user file system, leading to high complexity and error-prone processes, especially in complex topologies, where administrators must manually identify and replicate user file systems from a production site to a replica site.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows automatic creation of multiple replication sessions in response to a single command, utilizing a configuration database to derive necessary replication information, enabling reliable and robust replication of file systems and user file systems without manual intervention, regardless of the number of user file systems or data storage system topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If administrators manually create replication sessions for each user file system, then replication can be performed, but the complexity of the operation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication completenessVSAvoidadministrative burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically discovers user file systems and creates replication sessions without administrator intervention. The replication controller autonomously queries the file system database, identifies replicable file systems, and provisions replication sessions based on discovered information, eliminating the need for manual administrative input while ensuring complete replication coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If administrators manually identify and create replication sessions for each user file system, then replication control is precise, but the time required increases exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication accuracyVSAvoidsession creation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary discovery of user file systems and their properties before replication is needed. By pre-querying the file system database and storing discovery information, the system prepares replication candidates in advance, so when replication is requested, sessions can be created immediately without time-consuming manual identification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (administrators typing commands, identifying file systems, creating sessions) with an automated electronic system. The replication controller uses database queries and automated logic to discover file systems and provision replication sessions, substituting human manual operations with machine-based automation that executes rapidly and accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple replication sessions are created manually for complex topologies, then replication coverage is complete, but the error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication coverageVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the replication controller continuously monitors the replication state and compares it against the desired topology. The controller queries the file system database to discover actual file system configurations, uses this feedback to determine appropriate replication sessions, and adjusts provisioning accordingly, ensuring complete coverage while minimizing configuration errors through continuous verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If administrators enter multiple sets of instructions individually, then each replication session can be customized, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The replication controller is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple file systems, various topology types (one-to-one, one-to-many, cascade), and different replication scenarios through a single automated process. Rather than requiring different manual procedures for different cases, the universal controller discovers file systems and automatically determines appropriate replication configurations, maintaining flexibility while reducing operational complexity to a single standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9805105B1Automatically creating multiple replication sessions in response to a single replication command entered by a user

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A technique performs replication. The technique involves receiving, by processing circuitry, a virtual storage processor (VSP) replication command from a user. The VSP replication command specifies a source VSP and a destination VSP (e.g., configuration data which defines an operating environment). The technique further involves identifying, by the processing circuitry and in response to the VSP replication command, multiple source data objects which are configured to store data from the context of the source VSP. The technique further involves automatically creating, after the multiple source data objects are identified, multiple replication sessions to replicate the multiple source data objects as multiple destination data objects which are configured to store data from the context of the destination VSP. Once created, the entire lifecycle of the replication session occurs at the VSP level and replication of the internals of the VSP are entirely hidden from the end user.