Image Backup Head Start Population via Block Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image backup population processes drain system resources and are unavailable for restoration for an unacceptable length of time due to the need to copy all modified blocks after a specific point in time, leading to inefficiencies and delays in data restoration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'head start' population method where modified blocks are copied into an image backup before the specified point in time, utilizing low resource utilization periods to reduce the number of blocks to be copied subsequently, and activating a snapshot to complete the backup, thereby minimizing resource usage and ensuring quicker availability for restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image backup population is performed by copying all modified blocks after a specific point in time, then the backup represents the correct state at that point in time, but the process drains system resources excessively and delays restoration availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying modified blocks before the backup point in time is reached. The system proactively identifies and copies blocks that will be modified by a certain future time, so that when the backup needs to be available, most blocks are already in place. This reduces the population time and improves restoration availability while maintaining backup accuracy.
2Reliability
If all allocated blocks are copied to complete the image backup population, then the backup is complete and available for restoration, but the process takes an unacceptable length of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary copying of blocks that are predicted to be modified by a certain time. By using modify maps and tracking block changes, the system proactively populates the backup image with blocks before they are needed, reducing the time required to complete the backup while ensuring all necessary blocks are present for a complete and restorable backup.
3Manufacturing precision
If the population of image backup is delayed until after the point in time, then the backup represents the exact state needed, but the image backup is unavailable for restoration when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action to copy blocks in advance of when they are needed for the backup. By tracking modify maps and predicting which blocks will be modified by a certain time, the system proactively populates the backup image, ensuring both precision (having the correct blocks) and timeliness (having them ready before restoration is needed).
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through modify maps that track which blocks have been copied and which remain. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust the copying process, prioritizing blocks that are most likely to be needed, thereby balancing state precision with restoration readiness.
Data Source
AI summary
Head start population of an image backup. In one example embodiment, a method for head start population of an image backup may include tracking blocks that are modified in a source storage between a first point in time and a second point in time, head start copying a first portion of the modified blocks into the image backup prior to the second point in time, activating a snapshot on the source storage at the second point in time where the snapshot represents a state of the source storage at the second point in time, and copying, subsequent to the second point in time, from the snapshot and into the image backup, a second portion of the modified blocks that were not yet copied into the image backup by the second point in time.