Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Backup Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for data backup and transfer over multiple networks are inefficient due to limitations in network resource utilization, as they often fail to leverage the most efficient network channels based on data packet size and available bandwidth, leading to suboptimal data transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A system that bonds multiple networks into a single logical communication channel, using a load-balancing scheme to assign backup data traffic across available Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks based on packet size and bandwidth, optimizing data transfer by allocating larger data blocks to Fibre Channel networks and smaller blocks to Ethernet networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single network protocol is used for data transfer, then the application is simple to implement, but the system cannot leverage multiple efficient network resources simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer between the backup application and the network protocols. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of multiple network protocols (Fibre Channel, Ethernet, InfiniBand) while presenting a unified interface to the application, thus enabling versatile network resource utilization without increasing application complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transfer process into multiple independent network channels, each handling different protocols. The system divides the backup data stream and routes different portions through different network protocols simultaneously, allowing the system to leverage multiple efficient network resources while keeping each protocol handler relatively simple
2Productivity
If data transfer uses fixed network allocation, then the system is easy to manage, but it cannot dynamically optimize transfer rates based on network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network allocation where the system continuously monitors network conditions (bandwidth availability, latency, packet size) and dynamically adjusts the allocation of data transfer across different network protocols. This allows the system to optimize transfer rates in real-time based on current network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the performance of each network protocol in real-time and use this information to dynamically adjust data allocation. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from network conditions and optimize transfer rates automatically without complex manual management
3Quantity of substance
If the system bonds multiple networks into a logical channel, then bandwidth utilization is maximized, but the system requires dynamic discovery and initialization of multiple networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the system proactively discover and initialize available network protocols before data transfer begins. The system scans for available networks (Fibre Channel, Ethernet, InfiniBand), determines their capabilities, and pre-configures the bonding logical channel, so that when data transfer starts, the network infrastructure is already optimized and ready
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for efficient transfer of backup data over multiple networks. A backup server and a client computer are coupled to one another via a network, such as a local area network (LAN). The backup server is coupled to at least one storage server via another network, such as the Internet. This storage server is coupled to another storage server via at least two networks, such as the Internet and a Fiber Channel connection. The at least two networks are discovered and initialized by the two storage servers. Two or more networks may be bonded together in a single logical communication channel for transferring backup data. In one embodiment, the backup data corresponds to a duplication operation. When two or more network channels are included in the logical communication channel, a load balancing scheme is used to assign backup data traffic to appropriate network channels.