Backup Server Storage Redirection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backup failures occur when storage capacity reaches maximum, leading to broken backup images and increased administrative overhead due to manual cleanup and retry processes, especially in multi-server setups where simultaneous backups fill up storage quickly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a temporary redirection mechanism that switches the backup server to alternate storage, such as cloud storage, when local capacity is full, allowing continuous backup operations until space is freed up, thereby avoiding cleanup and restart processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup server uses local storage for all backup data, then storage access is fast and simple, but backup operations fail when storage capacity reaches 100%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a redirection server as an intermediary component between the backup server and the storage system. When local storage capacity is reached, the redirection server redirects backup data to alternate storage locations (such as cloud storage or remote servers), enabling continuous backup operations without failing due to local storage fullness. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining backup reliability while managing storage complexity through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands the storage dimension from purely local physical storage to include remote storage destinations (cloud storage, remote servers). By adding this dimensional extension, the system can continue accepting backup data even when local storage is full, as data is redirected to available remote storage capacity, thus improving reliability without being constrained by local storage limits.
2Productivity
If the backup server redirects data to alternate storage when full, then backup operations continue uninterrupted, but storage capacity management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The redirection server implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting when local storage capacity is reached and autonomously redirecting backup data to alternate storage destinations without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own storage state and manages the redirection process internally, maintaining backup continuity while simplifying the operational complexity through automated decision-making and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the redirection server continuously monitors local storage capacity utilization and adjusts its behavior accordingly. When storage reaches threshold levels, the feedback loop triggers redirection to alternate storage, and the system continues monitoring to manage the redirection process dynamically, ensuring continuous productivity while managing complexity through intelligent feedback-driven control.
3Productivity
If multiple backup applications write to the same backup server simultaneously, then backup throughput increases, but storage fills up faster causing more failures
Solution Approach 1:
The redirection server acts as a mediator that coordinates multiple backup applications writing to the same storage system. When local storage is full, it redirects data from any blocking application to alternate storage destinations, preventing backup failures while allowing high throughput. This intermediary manages the conflicts between multiple concurrent backup operations, maintaining both productivity and reliability by ensuring continuous data acceptance regardless of storage capacity state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring storage capacity and initiating redirection to alternate storage before local storage completely fills up and blocks all backup operations. This preliminary detection and redirection action prevents storage exhaustion scenarios, allowing multiple backup applications to continue writing simultaneously with high throughput while maintaining reliability through preemptive capacity management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer-readable storage medium for data backup by a backup server having local storage. In normal mode of operation the backup server stores any ingest data in the local storage. A redirect monitor continuously monitors the capacity utilization of the local storage. When the capacity utilization surpasses a preset threshold, the backup server is switched to operate in redirect mode, where newly received ingest data is redirected to alternate storage. The alternate storage may be, e.g., cloud storage or storage as a service facility. Thereafter the redirect monitor checks the utilization of the local storage and if that drops below a preset safety margin, the backup server reverts to normal operating mode. The backup server may or may not copy all redirected data from the alternate storage to the local storage, depending on the setup.