Director Addition in Network Replication Without Resync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges such as system shutdown during backups, limited recovery points, and lengthy data recovery processes, which hinder continuous data protection and minimize downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method for adding a director to storage with network-based replication without data resynchronization, utilizing a persistent datastore and repository volume to configure and synchronize new splitters, allowing for seamless integration and replication without disrupting existing data flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a new director is added to the storage system, then storage capacity and redundancy are improved, but data resynchronization is required which causes downtime and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the new director with all necessary configuration information before it joins the storage system. The configuration information is prepared in advance and transmitted to the new director, allowing it to immediately begin handling I/O operations without requiring resynchronization after joining the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (configuration information transmission protocol) to transfer all necessary settings, replication relationships, and operational parameters from existing directors to the new director. This intermediary data transfer enables the new director to integrate seamlessly without performing full data resynchronization.
2Reliability
If conventional backup methods are used, then data protection is achieved, but system shutdown is required during backup which increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system enables continuous data protection by allowing the new director to join and begin replicating data without shutting down the system. The replication process continues uninterrupted as the new director integrates into the existing replication infrastructure, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the addition process.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration information for the new director is prepared and transmitted in advance, enabling the director to start replicating data immediately upon joining. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for system shutdown and allows continuous data protection operations to proceed without interruption.
3Measurement precision
If full data resynchronization is performed when adding a new director, then data consistency is ensured, but replication time is extended which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the essential configuration information (such as replication relationships, operational parameters, and metadata) to the new director, rather than transferring all data. This extraction of critical configuration data enables the new director to maintain data consistency through configuration-based replication settings without performing time-consuming full data resynchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a configuration copy of the existing replication relationships and operational settings, which is then applied to the new director. This configuration copying approach ensures data consistency is maintained through replicated settings without requiring actual data transfer and resynchronization, significantly reducing replication time.
Data Source
AI summary
In distributed storage environments (e.g., VPLEX®, from EMC Corporation) a director may be added while the distributed data is being replicated. However, the new director may have new splitters that do not know what to replicate and how to handle new I/Os. If I/Os are missed or lost, that information is gone forever and may be recovered only by a full resync of the volume. However, example embodiments of the present invention overcome these and other deficiencies by allowing adding a director and new splitters without interruption of the replication. Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus and a computer-program product for adding a director to storage with network-based replication without data resynchronization. The method includes obtaining distributed storage system node configuration information and performing replication in a network-based replication system according to the configuration information.