Virtualized Backup Co-location Reducing SAN Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data backup operations consume significant bandwidth due to network traffic, which can hinder other essential traffic and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves automatically and transparently co-locating the service provider resource and the client resource, either by moving the service provider to the client's site or vice versa, allowing the data backup operation to take place entirely within a Storage Area Network (SAN) without using local area networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data backup operations are performed over local area networks, then backup functionality is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases and other essential traffic is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup server and client resources onto the same physical host computing device, creating a co-located virtualized environment where backup traffic remains internal to the host and does not consume external network bandwidth. This combining of resources eliminates the need for network transmission while maintaining backup functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical host resources and the backup operations. Virtual machines and virtual storage resources mediate the backup process, allowing data to be copied and stored internally without traversing the external network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If backup server is located remotely from client resource, then centralized backup management is achieved, but network traffic and bandwidth consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional network-based spatial relationship to a virtualized dimension where logical separation is maintained through virtual machines while physical co-location eliminates network distance. The backup server and client exist in the same physical space but operate as separate virtual entities, removing the need for network transmission.
3Loss of energy
If virtual machines are transferred between computing devices for co-location, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but additional processing and orchestration complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the virtualization management system automatically performs resource allocation, VM migration, and co-location operations without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the complexity of transferring and orchestrating virtual machines between computing devices.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computing environment, a method for providing a data backup function without transferring data across a local area network includes providing a plurality of resources including at least a client resource requiring a periodic servicing operation, a service provider resource capable of providing that servicing operation. At least one of the client resource and the service provider resource, such as a data backup resource, are defined by virtual machines. The client resource and the service provider resource are transparently co-located by transferring the resource defined by a virtual machine to the physical machine hosting the other resource, and the service provider resource performs the data backup function without need of transferring the data being backed up across a local area network. Methods, computer systems, and computer programs available as a download or on a computer-readable medium for installation according to the invention are provided.