Geographically Diverse Data Storage Replication Tree Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data replication techniques, such as star topology, inefficiently utilize computing resources and are slow due to serial processing, especially in geographically diverse storage systems where replication across multiple zones is necessary for redundancy and disaster recovery.

Innovation Solution

Adopting a tree topology for data replication, which leverages differences in replication times between zones by selecting the fastest paths and allowing parallel processing, thereby reducing the number of inter-region transfers and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If star topology is used for data replication, then data redundancy is achieved, but computing resource consumption increases and replication speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidreplication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the replication process by dividing zones into different tiers (first-tier zones directly connected to source, second-tier zones connected to first-tier zones). This segmentation allows parallel replication operations across multiple zones simultaneously, improving replication speed while maintaining data redundancy through the structured topology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the replication topology, transitioning from a flat star topology to a multi-level tree structure. This dimensional change enables more efficient resource utilization by organizing replication paths hierarchically, reducing computing resource consumption while achieving the same redundancy goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If star topology is used for data replication, then data redundancy is achieved, but computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the replication topology into tiers, the patent reduces the number of direct connections each zone must maintain. First-tier zones handle replication to second-tier zones, distributing the computational burden and reducing overall resource consumption while still achieving comprehensive data redundancy across all zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic topology selection, allowing the system to adaptively choose between different replication paths (direct source-to-zone or source-to-first-tier-to-second-tier) based on current computing resource availability and performance conditions, optimizing resource usage while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If serial processing is used in data replication, then resource consumption is reduced, but replication time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidreplication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the replication workload across multiple parallel paths in the tree topology. Multiple zones can replicate data simultaneously through different branches of the tree structure, achieving parallel processing that reduces total replication time while the hierarchical organization keeps resource consumption manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous parallel replication operations across multiple zones simultaneously. By maintaining multiple active replication streams through the tree topology, the system achieves continuous useful action without resource exhaustion, contrasting with serial processing where only one replication occurs at a time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11681677B2Geographically diverse data storage system employing a replication tree

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A geographically diverse data storage system that can protect data via replication of data among relevant zones according to a determined replication topology is disclosed. The replication topology can be determined based on replication times between the relevant zones. In an aspect, a tree topology can provide advantages over a star topography. In an embodiment, a tree topology can be generated, or an existing topology can be modified, via selection of a next replication task(s) based on the replication times. In an aspect, the replication times can be determined from measurable characteristics of the geographically diverse data storage system. In some embodiments, the replications times can be based on historical measurements, time limited historical measurements, inferences from machine learning, etc. A determined topology can be ranked relative to other viable topologies based on criteria such as speed, monetary cost, computing resource usage, etc. Accordingly, a selected topology, or selected modification to a topology, can provide for improved replication that can provide protection for data stored in the geographically diverse data storage system.