Client Redundancy for Backup Restore Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup file restoration processes in computer systems are inefficient due to network latencies, the need for administrator assistance in tape-based systems, and the unavailability of files not backed up, leading to slow restoration times and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a backup component that identifies and retrieves file copies from other hosts, maintains a catalog of file entries, and monitors file systems and email messages to create entries for stored files, allowing for efficient restoration without relying solely on remote backup media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If file restoration is performed from remote backup media via network, then centralized backup management is achieved, but network latency slows down the restoration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup and restoration process into multiple components: local backup agents on client devices that maintain local catalogs and cache backup data, intermediate backup servers that coordinate operations, and remote backup media for archival storage. This segmentation allows restoration to occur locally without waiting for remote media operations, resolving the contradiction between centralized management and fast restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning backup data in multiple locations: local backup agents cache backup data on client devices, local catalogs are maintained on each client, and backup data is replicated across multiple servers and media. When restoration is needed, the system can immediately retrieve data from the nearest available location without waiting for remote media operations.
2Quantity of substance
If tape-based backup is used, then storage capacity is increased, but administrator assistance is required to mount tapes, increasing expense and turnaround time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling clients to autonomously restore files from their local backup agents and cached data without requiring administrator intervention for tape mounting. The automated catalog querying and data retrieval processes eliminate manual operations, allowing end-users to perform restorations independently while the system automatically manages the complex coordination between multiple backup locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including local backup agents that act as mediators between clients and remote backup media, and automated catalog systems that mediate the search and retrieval process. These intermediaries handle the complexity of coordinating tape mounting and data transfer, shielding users from operational complexity while maintaining access to large storage capacities.
3Speed
If local backup catalogs are used, then query speed is improved, but files not backed up are not available for restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by implementing a hierarchical catalog structure where local catalogs provide fast querying for frequently accessed files, while the system simultaneously maintains awareness of files stored on remote media and in transit. The backup agent can query local catalogs for immediate restoration or search broader system resources for files not yet backed up locally, making the system adaptable to both speed-critical and comprehensive restoration scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to file availability by implementing a multi-layered storage and cataloging hierarchy: local cached data and catalogs on client devices, backup data on local servers, and archival storage on remote media. This dimensional expansion allows the system to provide fast local restoration when possible while maintaining the ability to locate and retrieve files from any layer of the hierarchy, thus preserving both speed and comprehensive availability.
4Productivity
If multiple clients share a small number of backup servers, then resource utilization is improved, but network latency increases during restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by enabling each client device to maintain local backup agents with cached backup data and local catalogs. This localizes the restoration capability to each client, eliminating the need to traverse the network to backup servers during restoration operations. The local quality of having restoration resources at each client endpoint resolves the contradiction between shared resource utilization and restoration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the backup infrastructure into distributed client-side backup agents that independently manage local restoration operations. This segmentation allows multiple clients to share backup servers for data storage while each client maintains autonomous restoration capability through local caching and cataloging, thus achieving both efficient resource utilization and fast local restoration without network latency.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and method for performing restore operations. A computer system includes one or more hosts. At least one host includes a backup agent. In response to a request to restore a file to a first host, a backup component identifies copies of portions of the file stored on a second host, retrieves the copies, and restores the file on the first host from the copies. The backup component maintains a catalog of entries corresponding to copies of portions of files stored on the hosts. In response to a request to restore the file to a first host, the backup component queries the catalog to identify one or more candidate locations where copies of portions of the file have been stored. The first and second hosts may be the same. The backup component may be located on a host or on a backup server.