Instant File System Backup Access via Virtual Cache Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for instant access to file backup snapshots are limited to block storage, requiring users to wait hours for large data volumes to be fully restored before accessing the restored data, whereas instant access is crucial for efficient data recovery.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves presenting the backup snapshot as a source file system and creating a target file-system volume in production storage as a cache, allowing immediate access and on-demand filling of the cache with data from the source file system, breaking the cache relationship once the target volume is fully populated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional block storage approaches are used for backup restoration, then instant access can be achieved for virtual machines, but the solution is limited to block storage and cannot provide file system interface access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the backup snapshot presented as a file system (e.g., NFS share or FUSE mount) that can be instantly accessed. This virtual copy allows file system interface access without physically restoring all data to the target location, enabling both block and file storage access modes through a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual file system layer as an intermediary between the backup storage and the target volume. This intermediary layer presents the backup snapshot as an accessible file system interface, allowing data access without direct manipulation of the underlying block storage, thus simplifying the interface for users while maintaining restoration functionality.
2Reliability
If the entire backup snapshot is restored to production storage before access, then complete data availability is achieved, but recovery time increases to hours for large data volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by creating a virtual representation of the backup snapshot that can be instantly accessed. The target volume is initialized with metadata and structure information before actual data transfer, allowing the system to present accessible file system interfaces immediately while data is being transferred in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing data access to proceed concurrently with the background data transfer process. Users can access restored data through the virtual file system interface while the actual data is being copied from backup storage to the target volume, eliminating the sequential wait time that would otherwise occur.
3Quantity of substance
If backup data is stored and restored through slow object storage protocols, then storage efficiency is achieved, but restoration speed decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data access process into two independent paths: (1) metadata and structure information are immediately available through the virtual file system interface, and (2) actual data blocks are transferred asynchronously in the background. This segmentation allows the system to provide instant access to directory structures and file metadata while data files are being restored at slower speeds from object storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic behavior where the system can switch between different data access modes based on needs. The virtual file system interface provides dynamic mounting and unmounting capabilities, allowing the system to present backup data as accessible file systems on-demand while maintaining efficient object storage backend access for bulk data operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for providing access to a file backup snapshot that includes creating a target cache volume to restore the backup snapshot, responsive to receiving a request for data not yet loaded by a prefetch, restoring specific data from a file backup snapshot required to fulfill the request, replying to the request with the specific data, and responsive to completing the prefetch to the target cache volume, breaking a cache relationship.