Backup Deduplication Module Fingerprint Cache Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data deduplication systems are vulnerable to failures when the fingerprint database is unavailable, leading to incomplete backups and potential irrecoverable system failures due to corruption or communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A data backup system and method that continue to store data in backup storage even if the fingerprint database is unavailable, using a deduplicating backup module to compare fingerprints and store data units based on availability, ensuring backup operations can complete regardless of fingerprint database reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data deduplication is performed using a fingerprint database, then storage efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the fingerprint database becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local cache memory as an intermediary between the fingerprint database and the backup system. This cache stores fingerprint data locally, allowing the backup system to continue deduplication operations even when the central fingerprint database is unavailable. The cache acts as a mediator that maintains system functionality during database disruptions, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs beforehand cushioning by pre-loading fingerprint data into local cache memory before backup operations begin. This preparatory action creates a buffer that protects the backup system from potential fingerprint database unavailability, ensuring that deduplication can proceed without interruption and maintaining both storage efficiency and system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the system waits for fingerprint database availability to perform deduplication, then deduplication accuracy is improved, but backup completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by caching fingerprint data in advance before the actual backup deduplication process. This allows the backup system to have fingerprint data readily available without waiting for database queries during the backup operation, thereby maintaining deduplication accuracy while significantly reducing backup completion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The local cache enables continuous deduplication operations without interruption from database availability issues. The useful action of deduplication continues uninterrupted by using cached fingerprint data, maintaining accuracy while eliminating time losses associated with waiting for database responses.
3Reliability
If the system stores all data units without deduplication when fingerprint database is unavailable, then backup continuity is improved, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial deduplication by using the local cache for fingerprint comparison when available, and falling back to storing all data units when the cache is exhausted or unavailable. This partial action approach maintains backup continuity while still achieving some deduplication benefit when possible, balancing storage efficiency with backup reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for backing up data is provided. The method includes storing a first plurality of data units in a backup storage, as a result of a fingerprint database being available, the first plurality of data units being deduplicated through application of the fingerprint database. The method includes storing a second plurality of data units in the backup storage, as a result of the fingerprint database being unavailable, wherein at least one step of the method is executed through a processor.