Deduplication System Placeholder File Handling Archived Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data deduplication techniques perform poorly when dealing with archived files, leading to redundant processing and loss of deduplication links due to the replacement of files with placeholder files, resulting in inefficient use of computing resources.
Innovation Solution
The system maintains awareness of archived files by treating placeholder files as references to the archived files, determining the deduplication fingerprint of the archived file instead of the placeholder file, and intercepting deduplication engine access to prevent redundant processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional data deduplication techniques are used with archived files, then the system can maintain simple file storage structure, but the deduplication performance deteriorates due to redundant processing and loss of deduplication links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a placeholder file as an intermediary object that represents archived files in the deduplicated file system. The placeholder file contains metadata (such as a pointer or reference) that links to the actual archived file location, allowing the deduplication system to maintain deduplication links without directly accessing the archived file. This mediator enables the system to preserve deduplication efficiency while accommodating the archival storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing the archived file before archiving it. Specifically, the system generates and stores a placeholder file with metadata that preserves the deduplication fingerprint and link information before the actual file is moved to archival storage. This preliminary creation of the placeholder ensures that when the file is later retrieved or accessed, the deduplication links are already in place and do not need to be re-established.
2Quantity of substance
If placeholder files are used to represent archived files, then storage space is saved by removing actual file copies, but the deduplication system loses track of archived files and performs redundant processing
Solution Approach 1:
The placeholder file serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the archived file and the deduplication system. It contains essential metadata (such as the original filename, size, and deduplication fingerprint) that allows the deduplication system to quickly identify and process archived files without needing to access the actual archived data, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining space savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the placeholder file metadata is continuously updated and maintained to reflect the current state of archived files. When files are archived, the placeholder metadata is updated to point to the archival location, and when files are retrieved, the metadata is updated accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the deduplication system always has accurate information about archived files, preventing redundant processing.
3Reliability
If the deduplication system reprocesses archived files upon retrieval, then the system can ensure data freshness, but computing resources are wasted on redundant operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating and storing the deduplication fingerprint and link information in the placeholder file before archiving. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the file is later retrieved or accessed, the deduplication information is already available and does not need to be regenerated, thereby ensuring data accuracy while avoiding redundant computing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the essential deduplication information in the placeholder file rather than copying the entire archived file. This selective copying of metadata (fingerprint, filename, size) allows the system to maintain reliability for deduplication purposes while avoiding the computational cost of processing the full archived file content again.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for deduplicating archived data may include (1) identifying a volume of data subject to deduplication, with the volume of data comprising at least one archived file that is represented on the volume of data with a placeholder file and is stored on an alternate volume of data, and (2) determining a disposition of the archived file for deduplication by (i) determining that the archived file is represented by the placeholder file, and, in response to determining that the archived file is represented by the placeholder file, (ii) identifying a deduplication fingerprint of the archived file instead of a deduplication fingerprint of the placeholder file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.