Distributed Backup Verification Using Local Logical Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data replication methods face challenges in verifying the correctness of remote backup copies, especially when the local storage array lacks a corresponding local copy, making it difficult to ensure data integrity and consistency without requiring additional host devices or data copying.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of distributed backup techniques using local access allows for the verification of remote backup copies by provisioning a storage-less logical device on the local storage system, configuring it for replication, and initiating a remote backup copy on a remote storage system, enabling verification without the need for additional data copying or execution on the remote host device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data replication methods are used to verify remote backup copies, then data integrity can be ensured, but additional host devices or data copying is required which increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The local storage array is configured to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary storage system and as a verification system for remote backup copies. By provisioning a storage-less logical device on the local array and configuring it for replication, the same hardware infrastructure is used for both data storage and verification purposes, eliminating the need for separate verification hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
A storage-less logical device is introduced as an intermediary between the local storage array and the remote backup copy. This logical device acts as a mediator that enables the local array to access and verify remote backup data without requiring additional physical host devices or complete data copying, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining verification capability.
2Measurement precision
If remote backup copies are verified using conventional methods, then correctness can be confirmed, but additional host device licenses are required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The local storage array is designed to perform dual functionality: primary data storage and verification of remote backup copies. By configuring the local array with replication capabilities and mounting the storage-less logical device, the same hardware platform executes verification software, eliminating the need for separate licensed host devices and reducing software licensing costs while maintaining verification accuracy.
3Volume of stationary object
If local storage array has no corresponding local copy, then storage space is optimized, but verification of remote backup copies becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A storage-less logical device is created as a virtual intermediary that enables verification without requiring physical storage space for local copies. This logical device is provisioned on the local storage array and configured for replication, allowing the system to mount and access remote backup data for verification purposes while maintaining optimized storage space utilization by not duplicating data locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification capability is moved from the physical storage dimension to the logical access dimension. Instead of requiring physical local copies for verification, the system uses logical device provisioning and mounting mechanisms to access remote backup data through the storage-less logical device, effectively solving the verification difficulty without compromising storage space optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one processing device comprising a processor and a memory. The at least one processing device is configured to provision a first logical device on a first storage system, to configure the first logical device to support replication from the first storage system to a second storage system, and to initiate generation of a remote backup copy of a second logical device on the second storage system. In conjunction with performance of a verification process for the remote backup copy of the second logical device, the at least one processing device is configured to cause the first logical device to be paired with the remote backup copy of the second logical device, and to mount the first logical device so as to permit performance of the verification process for the remote backup copy utilizing data obtained from the remote backup copy via the first logical device.