Dynamic Database Disk Redistribution via Temporary File Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for redistributing data across multiple physical disks in a database system require taking the database offline, disrupting user access and operations during the process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic disk redistribution method that uses temporary files to redistribute data evenly across physical disks without taking the database offline, allowing continuous user access and handling I/O operations transparently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If data redistribution is performed by copying data from one physical disk to another, then data distribution balance is improved, but database availability deteriorates because the database must be taken offline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data redistribution process into distinct phases: creating a temporary file with redistributed data, validating the temporary file, and then atomically swapping it with the live database file. This segmentation allows redistribution to occur in the background without taking the database offline, resolving the contradiction between achieving balanced data distribution and maintaining database availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a temporary file containing the redistributed data before actually performing the swap. The temporary file is created with the correct data distribution balance, validated to ensure integrity, and only then is it atomically swapped with the live database file. This preliminary action approach enables the database to remain online throughout the process.
Solution Approach 3:
The temporary file acts as an intermediary between the live database file and the target physical disks. Instead of directly copying data from the live database file to physical disks while the database is online (which would cause corruption), the patent uses the temporary file as a mediator to prepare and validate the redistributed data first, then atomically replaces the live file. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling safe background redistribution.
2Reliability
If the database is taken offline for data redistribution, then data can be redistributed safely without corruption, but user access to the database is lost during redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all data redistribution operations in advance by creating a temporary file with the correctly redistributed data before the actual swap. This preliminary creation of the temporary file with validated data ensures that when the swap occurs, the database can be taken offline for only the brief moment of file replacement, minimizing disruption to user access while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary file serves as an intermediary that holds the safely redistributed data during the transition period. Instead of performing risky in-place redistribution operations while the database is online, the patent uses the temporary file as a mediator to prepare and validate the new data distribution, then atomically replaces the live file. This intermediary approach ensures data integrity during redistribution while allowing users to maintain access.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent creates a copy of the database data in a temporary file before performing the actual redistribution swap. This copy is created with the correct data distribution balance and validated for integrity. The atomic swap then replaces the live database file with this pre-prepared copy, ensuring that user access is not interrupted by ongoing redistribution operations while maintaining data integrity throughout the process.
3Quantity of substance
If new physical disks are added to the storage array, then storage capacity is increased, but data distribution becomes uneven with newer disks having lower usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary redistribution actions by creating a temporary file that redistributes data evenly across all physical disks, including newly added ones. The temporary file is created with the correct data distribution balance before the atomic swap, ensuring that even though new disks were added and data distribution became uneven, the system can restore uniform distribution without taking the database offline.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary file acts as an intermediary that restores even data distribution across all physical disks. When new disks are added, the system creates a temporary file with redistributed data that evenly distributes across all disks (old and new). This intermediary temporary file then atomically replaces the live database file, restoring uniform data distribution while maintaining database availability and addressing the uneven distribution problem caused by adding new storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed to perform dynamic disk data redistribution in a database environment. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide for the transparent redistribution of data across multiple physical disks of a database while maintaining accessibility to the database. Methods and systems are also disclosed for handling requests to perform database operations on data that is in the process of being redistributed.