Dynamic Preferred Server Order List for Backup Workload Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Federated backups often inefficiently distribute workload among nodes, leading to prolonged backup processes and manual reconfiguration challenges due to static preferred server order lists (PSOL) that cannot adapt to changing conditions during the backup process.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamically configurable PSOL within a backup application that automatically adjusts based on parameters like node ownership, activation preferences, and failover settings, allowing for efficient workload distribution and real-time updates during backups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a static PSOL is used for federated backups, then the backup process is simple to implement, but the workload is not efficiently distributed among nodes and backup time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidbackup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The PSOL is transformed from a static configuration to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts based on real-time node conditions. The system continuously monitors node availability, workload status, and performance metrics, then reorders the PSOL accordingly to optimize backup workload distribution across the cluster

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where backup performance metrics and node status information are continuously collected and used to adjust the PSOL ordering. This closed-loop control ensures that the backup process adapts to changing conditions without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual rescheduling is implemented to distribute backup workload, then backup efficiency improves, but configuration time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup system performs self-configuration by automatically generating and adjusting the PSOL based on monitored node conditions. The system eliminates the need for manual administrative intervention by autonomously optimizing workload distribution across available nodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes PSOL parameters (node ordering, priority weights) based on real-time conditions such as node availability, current workload, and performance metrics. These parameter adjustments occur automatically without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a manually defined PSOL is used, then initial setup is straightforward, but the system cannot adapt to changing conditions during backup procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of initial setupVSAvoidadaptability to changing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The PSOL transitions from a static manual configuration to a dynamic automatically-adjusting list that responds to real-time changes in node availability and workload conditions during backup operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors backup progress and node status, using this feedback information to automatically adjust the PSOL ordering to accommodate changing conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If PSOL priorities concentrate backup workload on fewer nodes, then implementation is simpler, but backup process duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidbackup process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts PSOL ordering during backup operations to distribute workload across multiple nodes as they become available, reducing overall backup time while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes PSOL parameters in real-time based on node availability and workload conditions, automatically optimizing the distribution of backup tasks across the cluster to minimize total backup duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10095588B1Backup using instinctive preferred server order list (PSOL)

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

In one example, a method for data backup includes surveying a database availability group (DAG) that includes multiple nodes which are each associated with one or more databases, to determine a distribution of the databases across the nodes. Next, federated logic is used to create a profile of the DAG based on the survey, and the profile is used to generate a dynamic preferred server order list (PSOL). Load balancing for the DAG is performed using the dynamic PSOL, and the dynamic PSOL is updated based on results of the load balancing. Finally, a federated backup of the databases is performed based on the updated dynamic PSOL.