Cluster Proxy Nodes for Distributed Virtual Machine Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex computing environments like clusters, traditional data protection methods for virtual machines are cumbersome and inefficient, especially as the number of nodes increases, due to the need for installing data protection software on each node and managing shared volumes, which complicates backup and restore operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses proxy nodes with agents installed on the hypervisor layer to perform backup and restore operations without installing components on individual nodes, leveraging cluster shared volumes and frameworks like Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Service to snapshot virtual machines and distribute backup loads across multiple proxy nodes for efficient data protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data protection software is installed on each node in the cluster, then backup and restore operations can be performed on individual nodes, but the complexity of backup operations increases significantly as the number of nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy node as an intermediary between the backup system and the cluster nodes. The proxy node contains the data protection software and performs backup operations by accessing virtual machine data through the hypervisor, eliminating the need to install software on each node while maintaining protection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The data protection software is extracted from the individual nodes and consolidated onto a separate proxy node. This separation allows the backup system to operate independently from the cluster nodes, reducing operational complexity while preserving data protection functionality
2Reliability
If data protection software is installed on each node, then individual node backup is enabled, but computing resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple backup functions for different nodes are merged into a single proxy node. The proxy node performs centralized backup operations for all virtual machines in the cluster, reducing total computing resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive data protection coverage
3Reliability
If traditional backup methods are used in cluster environments with shared volumes, then data protection is provided, but the backup and restore processes become cumbersome and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy node serves as an intermediary that simplifies backup operations by providing a unified interface to access and backup data from multiple nodes and shared volumes. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of cluster architecture from the backup process, making operations simpler while maintaining data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy node is designed with universal capabilities to back up virtual machines regardless of which node they reside on or which shared volume they use. This multi-functional approach simplifies operations by providing a single backup mechanism that works across the entire cluster environment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for backing up and restoring virtual machines in a cluster environment. Proxy nodes in the cluster are configured with agents. The agents are configured to perform backup operations and restore operations for virtual machines operating in the cluster. During a backup operation or during a restore operation, a load associated with the backup/restore operation is distributed across at least some of the proxy nodes. The proxy nodes can backup/restore virtual machines on any of the nodes in the cluster.