Continuous Data Protection via Mirroring and Change Logs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data protection methods, such as RAID systems and frequent flash backups, are inadequate in preventing data loss due to corruption or erroneous entries, as they do not ensure continuous availability and integrity of data instances.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising modules for mirroring primary records, accumulating and selecting record changes, and applying these changes to form a recovered record set, ensuring continuous protection and recovery of valid data instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If frequent flash backups are performed to reduce data loss, then the amount of retrievable data increases, but corrupt data persists in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data protection into two independent components: a base record set containing only valid data instances, and a change log tracking modifications. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between valid and corrupt data, enabling selective recovery of only clean data while excluding corrupt entries, thus resolving the contradiction between data retrievability and data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The change log acts as an intermediary between the primary data storage and the backup recovery process. Instead of directly copying potentially corrupt data, the system uses the change log as a mediator to track and apply only valid changes to the base record set, ensuring that recovered data is clean while maintaining continuity with the primary system.
2Loss of information
If traditional backup methods are used, then data can be recovered, but there is a significant time difference between backup and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous protection by continuously tracking changes in the change log and maintaining an up-to-date base record set. This continuous action eliminates the time gap between backup and data loss, as the system is always ready to recover the most recent valid state of data without waiting for periodic backup cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The base record set is preliminarily established with valid data instances before any corruption occurs. The change log continuously records valid changes in advance, so when data loss is detected, the system can immediately recover using the pre-prepared base record set and change log, eliminating recovery time delays.
3Reliability
If redundant storage devices are used to increase data availability, then data loss is protected against, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex redundant storage systems like RAID, the patent creates a simplified copy mechanism that mirrors only valid data instances in the base record set and tracks changes in the change log. This copying approach provides data availability protection without requiring complex hardware redundancy, as the system logically replicates data through software-based mirroring and change tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for continuously protecting data. A mirror module mirrors a primary record set to a base record set. A log module accumulates each record change to the primary record set in a log. A change selection module selects a record change from the log. A change application module applies the selected record change to the base record set to form a recovered record set.