Copy-Offload Token Generation Using Dynamic Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional client-centric copy methods for storage systems consume processing resources and network bandwidth, as they often require generating a token by taking a point-in-time snapshot of the source data container, which is inefficient and limits token size.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines if the content of a source data container can be changed, using a direct copy mode to generate a token without a point-in-time image when it cannot be changed, and selecting a point-in-time copy mode when it can be changed, to optimize token generation for copy-offload operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-in-time copy mode is used to generate a token for copy-offload operation, then the token accurately represents the source data container content, but processing time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between point-in-time copy mode and direct copy mode based on whether the source data container is open for writing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use the more efficient direct copy mode when safe (source not open for writing), while resorting to point-in-time copy mode only when necessary (source open for writing), thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of token generation based on the source data container's write state. When the source is not open for writing, it uses direct copy mode; when open for writing, it uses point-in-time copy mode. This parameter change allows optimization of processing time without compromising token accuracy when needed
2Stability of the object's composition
If a point-in-time copy is taken to generate the token, then data consistency is ensured, but the size of the token is limited and processing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the token generation approach based on the source data container's write state, using direct copy mode (producing larger but more efficient tokens) when the source is not open for writing, and point-in-time copy mode (producing smaller tokens) when it is open for writing, thus balancing data consistency with token size
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the token generation parameter based on the source's write accessibility, selecting between direct copy and point-in-time copy modes to optimize both data consistency and token size according to the operational context
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional client centric copy approach is used, then data can be copied flexibly, but processing resources and network bandwidth are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a copy-offload operation where the storage system performs the actual data copying between storage locations without requiring the client to retrieve and transfer the data. This reduces network bandwidth consumption and processing resources on the client while maintaining copy flexibility through token-based operations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system acts as an intermediary that facilitates the copy operation between source and destination storage locations. The client only needs to initiate the copy-offload request and provide a token, while the storage system handles the actual data movement, reducing client resource consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for executing a copy-offload operation are provided. The method includes determining if content of a source data container can be changed, after the source data container is opened for a copy-offload operation to copy the source data container from a source location to a destination location. The method further includes using a direct copy mode for generating a token for the copy-offload operation, without taking a point in time image of the source data container, when the content cannot be changed based on a mode in which the source data container is opened; and selecting a point in time copy mode by taking the point in time image of the source data container for generating the token, when the content can be changed.