File Relocation Metadata for Rapid Storage Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face significant challenges in quickly restoring accessibility to a primary storage system after data becomes unavailable, as conventional methods require restoring all data from a backup, which can take hours or days, and do not allow for file access until the restoration is complete.
Innovation Solution
The use of file relocation metadata to restore a primary storage system by cloning a file system metadata snapshot tree, allowing files to be accessed and modified before full data restoration, and employing a filter driver to manage file relocation metadata for efficient file retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all data is restored from backup to the primary storage system, then data completeness is improved, but restoration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration process into two independent phases: metadata restoration and data restoration. The file system metadata snapshot tree is restored first to enable immediate file accessibility, while the actual file data restoration proceeds separately in the background. This segmentation allows the system to provide partial functionality (file access) during restoration without waiting for complete data recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary restoration of file system metadata (directory structures, file attributes, permissions) before the actual file data is restored. By restoring the metadata snapshot tree first, the system prepares the file system structure in advance, enabling users to access and even modify files before the complete data restoration finishes, thus reducing the perceived restoration time.
2Speed
If the primary storage system is restored quickly using metadata only, then accessibility is improved, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces file relocation metadata as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between quick metadata restoration and complete data restoration. The metadata contains relocation information that enables the system to locate and retrieve actual file data from backup storage when needed, ensuring data integrity while maintaining fast initial accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the file system metadata snapshot tree and restores it to the primary storage system. This metadata copy enables file access without requiring the original data to be present, while the actual data is simultaneously restored in the background. The metadata copy acts as a placeholder that maintains referential integrity with the original data locations.
3Ease of operation
If file system metadata is cloned and restored, then file accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file system into two independent components: the metadata snapshot tree and the actual data. By cloning and restoring only the metadata portion, the system achieves fast file accessibility without the complexity of managing complete data restoration. The segmented approach allows each component to be handled independently with appropriate restoration strategies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A request to restore a plurality of files to a first storage system from a backup stored at a second storage system is received. Corresponding file relocation metadata for each of the plurality of files is provided to the first storage system. The corresponding file relocation metadata for each of the plurality of files enables accessibility of contents of the plurality of files at the first storage system without storing entire contents of the plurality of files at the first storage system. A corresponding full content version for at least one of the plurality of files that is to be utilized by the first storage system is provided to enable direct access at the first storage system to contents of the at least one of the plurality of files instead of utilizing corresponding file relocation metadata for the at least one of the plurality of files to access the contents of the at least one of the plurality of files.