Backup File Path Determination via Intermediate Server Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing database backup systems, determining the correct backup file path from a source device to a storage device is challenging due to different network topologies and protocols used by source devices, leading to incorrect storage locations and unavailability of backup data when source devices use coincidentally valid but incorrect paths.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate server filters and provides multiple suitable paths to source devices based on their platform and capabilities, ensuring that backup data is stored on the intended storage device, and allows source devices to access backup files via determined accessible paths, preventing incorrect storage and ensuring data availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If source devices use different network topologies and protocols to access storage devices, then adaptability to diverse network environments is improved, but reliability of backup file path determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to diverse network environmentsVSAvoidreliability of backup file path determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate server as a mediator between source devices and storage devices. This server receives backup file path requests from source devices, determines the correct backup file path by considering the source device's platform and network configuration, and returns the determined path to the source device. This intermediary approach allows the system to support diverse network topologies and protocols while maintaining reliable path determination, as the intermediate server centralizes the path determination logic and adapts to different source device configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If source devices determine backup file paths independently, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of backup file path determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of source deviceVSAvoidprecision of backup file path determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate server serves as an external path determination service that source devices can query. Instead of embedding complex path determination logic in each source device, the system externalizes this functionality to a centralized server. Source devices simply send requests to the intermediate server, which then provides the correct backup file path based on the source device's platform and network configuration. This approach keeps source devices simple while achieving high precision in path determination through the intermediate server's sophisticated path calculation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10725996B1Method and system for determining differing file path hierarchies for backup file paths

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

Backup file path determination is described. A request is input from a source device to access a backup file on a storage device. One or more paths to the backup file are output to the source device. A determination whether the backup file is accessible to the source device via a path of the one or more paths is enabled. Access to the backup file is enabled via the path if the backup file is accessible to the source device via the path.