Global Cache Active-Active Storage Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges in providing efficient and asynchronous replication and mirroring across multiple sites, leading to data lag and complexity in transferring primary storage functionality, which can impact disaster recovery and data accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a global cache coupled with virtual storage volumes to provide synchronous and asymmetric active-active-active access, enabling asynchronous replication and mirroring across multiple sites, and automatically transferring primary storage functionality between sites to minimize data lag and ensure data consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asynchronous replication is used across multiple sites, then data protection coverage is improved, but data lag between sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-site replication architecture into hierarchical levels: synchronous replication pairs (Site 1-Site 2, Site 1-Site 3) for critical data with zero lag, and asynchronous replication (Site 1-Site 4) for extended coverage. This segmentation allows each segment to operate with optimized latency characteristics while collectively providing comprehensive data protection across all sites.
2Reliability
If primary storage functionality is transferred between sites, then disaster recovery capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic role assignment where storage sites can transition between primary and secondary roles based on operational needs. The virtualization layer enables flexible redistribution of primary storage functionality across sites, allowing the system to adapt to failure scenarios and performance requirements without manual reconfiguration, thereby managing complexity through automated dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage site is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating as primary or secondary site depending on requirements. The virtualization infrastructure provides universal access mechanisms that work regardless of which site holds primary functionality, eliminating the need for site-specific configurations and reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronous mirroring is implemented, then data consistency is improved, but replication speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different replication quality characteristics to different data paths based on local requirements: synchronous mirroring is applied to critical site pairs (Site 1-Site 2, Site 1-Site 3) where data consistency is paramount, while asynchronous replication is used for non-critical paths (Site 1-Site 4) where speed is more important. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by matching replication characteristics to specific operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method to provide synchronous and asymmetric active-active-active access to a first storage volume using a global cache coupled to a first, second and third virtual storage volumes includes replicating asynchronously the first storage volume at a first site to a second storage volume at a second site and mirroring the first storage volume with a third storage volume at a third site. Either one of the first storage volume or the third storage volume has primary storage functionality. The method also includes virtualizing the first storage volume with the first virtual storage volume, virtualizing the second storage volume with the second virtual storage volume and virtualizing the third storage volume with the third virtual storage volume.