Dynamic File System Recovery Slice Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional file system recovery methods face challenges in accurately predicting and efficiently provisioning storage space, leading to potential data loss and unavailability due to insufficient or wasteful allocation of recovery assistant storage space.

Innovation Solution

The method dynamically provisions slices for recovery assistant storage space as needed during the file system recovery process, avoiding pre-allocation of entire storage space and ensuring that slices are added only when required, thereby optimizing storage usage and preventing recovery failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage space is pre-allocated for file system recovery, then recovery can proceed without interruption, but storage resources are wasted when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery reliabilityVSAvoidstorage waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts storage allocation during the recovery process. Instead of pre-allocating fixed storage space, the system provisions slices on-demand based on actual recovery needs, transforming a static resource allocation into a dynamic one that adapts to changing requirements throughout the recovery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of recovery requirements before actual recovery begins. By evaluating the file system state and predicting storage needs in advance, the system can prepare appropriate storage resources without over-provisioning, balancing readiness with resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of substance

If storage space is not pre-allocated, then storage resources are efficiently used, but recovery may fail due to insufficient space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidrecovery success
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous monitoring of storage consumption during recovery operations. By tracking actual space usage in real-time and comparing it against available resources, the system can detect when additional storage is needed and trigger dynamic provisioning to prevent recovery failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static pre-allocation to dynamic on-demand provisioning, allowing storage capacity to expand during recovery if needed. This dynamic approach ensures storage efficiency while maintaining reliability through adaptive resource allocation based on actual recovery requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If entire storage space is pre-provisioned, then recovery performance is improved, but storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery performanceVSAvoidavailable storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic slice provisioning that activates storage resources only when recovery operations require them. This allows the system to maintain high recovery performance by having storage capacity available on-demand without permanently dedicating large portions of storage capacity, thus preserving overall storage availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fully provisioning storage space in advance, the system applies partial provisioning only when and where needed during recovery. This selective approach provides sufficient storage capacity to maintain recovery performance while avoiding the excessive allocation that would reduce overall available storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9298555B1Managing recovery of file systems
Publication Date: 2016.03.29 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US9298555B1 patent drawing
  • US9298555B1 patent drawing
  • US9298555B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is used in managing recovery of file systems. A determination is made as to whether a file system requires a slice for recovering the file system. Based on the determination, storage is provisioned for the slice. Recovery of the file system is performed.