Dynamic Data Slice Grouping for NAS Backup Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for managing network-attached storage (NAS) file systems lack the ability to prioritize data slice distribution during backups, leading to inefficient backup operations and inflexible subsequent backups due to static slice configurations that do not adapt to changes in the file system over time.
Innovation Solution
A system that performs pre-backup tasks by generating snapshots of file systems, sorting and grouping slices based on average file sizes, and dynamically adjusting slice groups to prioritize backup jobs, allowing for efficient distribution and customization of backup operations across available proxy hosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If file systems are split into slices for backup, then backup performance is improved, but backup operations become inflexible and inefficient when file system conditions change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic slice group management where slice groups are not fixed but are continuously adjusted based on current file system conditions. The system periodically re-evaluates file system characteristics and redistributes slices into new groups accordingly, making the backup system adaptable to changes in file system state while maintaining the performance benefits of sliced backups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of slice group configuration based on file system conditions. By monitoring file system characteristics and adjusting slice group assignments dynamically, the system optimizes backup performance for varying conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed performance optimization and adaptability.
2Productivity
If slice groups are dynamically adjusted based on file system conditions, then backup efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated monitoring and dynamic reconfiguration of slice groups. The backup system autonomously evaluates file system conditions, determines optimal slice group assignments, and executes reconfiguration without external intervention. This automation improves backup efficiency while managing complexity by eliminating the need for manual management of dynamic adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where backup performance metrics and file system condition data are continuously collected and used to adjust slice group configurations. This closed-loop control enables the system to automatically optimize backup efficiency based on actual performance feedback, managing complexity through systematic decision-making rather than ad-hoc adjustments.
3Productivity
If slices are sorted and grouped based on average file sizes, then backup operations become more customizable and efficient, but the pre-backup processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing file size information and slice group assignments before backup operations commence. This advance preparation enables efficient backup execution without requiring complex real-time calculations during the backup process itself, thus reducing the impact on overall backup time while maintaining the benefits of organized slice groups.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein relate to a method for performing pre-backup tasks. The method includes obtaining, by a proxy host, a snapshot request associated with a full backup of a file system stored in a network attached storage (NAS) from a backup manager; in response to obtaining the snapshot request: instantiating a NAS container to obtain a snapshot of the file system; providing the snapshot to the NAS container; after providing the snapshot to the NAS container: generating, using the snapshot, slices associated with the file system; sorting the slices based on average file sizes associated with each slice; grouping the slices based on the average file sizes and group criteria to generate slice groups; generating a slice list specifying the slices and the slice groups; and providing the slice list to the backup manager.