Consistency Group Mapping for Distributed Replication Volumes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to efficiently determine consistency groups for replication processing across multiple sites, particularly in active-active configurations, leading to inconsistencies in data synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A group determination apparatus and method that forms consistency groups based on distributed transaction relationships at each site, specifying corresponding relationships between local and remote groups to ensure synchronized replication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual determination of consistency groups is used in replication processing, then data consistency can be maintained, but the complexity of operation increases and automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidautomatic determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines consistency groups by analyzing distributed transaction relationships between volumes at different sites. The group determination unit autonomously identifies which volumes are related through distributed transactions and forms consistency groups without requiring manual intervention, while still ensuring data consistency through the automated analysis of transaction patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses information about distributed transaction relationships as feedback to automatically adjust and determine consistency group configurations. By monitoring and analyzing the relationships between volumes involved in distributed transactions, the system dynamically determines appropriate consistency groups to maintain data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If consistency groups are not automatically determined, then system complexity is reduced, but inconsistencies in distributed transactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of distributed transaction relationships to pre-determine consistency groups before replication operations begin. By analyzing the transaction patterns and relationships in advance, the system establishes appropriate consistency groups that prevent data inconsistencies during replication operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments volumes into distinct consistency groups based on their distributed transaction relationships. By dividing volumes into separate groups according to their transactional dependencies, the system manages complexity through structured organization while ensuring each group maintains appropriate consistency properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If volumes are grouped without analyzing distributed transaction relationships, then processing speed increases, but data integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroup formation speedVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical analysis of distributed transaction relationships with automated computational analysis. The group determination unit uses algorithmic processing to quickly analyze transaction patterns and determine consistency groups, achieving both high processing speed and accurate data integrity protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12613886B2Group generation apparatus and group determination method

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 HITACHI VANTARA LTD

AI summary

A group generation apparatus is a group generation apparatus that determines a consistency group for providing consistency to replication processing from a first site including a plurality of volumes to a second site including a plurality of volumes, the group generation apparatus including a group determination unit that forms one or more first groups that are groups of volumes at the first site based on a relationship of distributed transactions at the first site, forms one or more second groups that are groups of volumes at the second site based on a relationship of distributed transactions at the second site, specifies a correspondence relationship between the first group and the second group, and includes the first group and the second group that correspond to each other based on the specified correspondence relationship in the same consistency group.