Locked Snapshot Recovery via Writable Volume Cloning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data recovery from locked snapshots in storage systems is time-intensive due to the need for actual copies and limitations on volume types within aggregates, leading to prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
Enhanced volume cloning functionality allows creation of a recovery volume clone of any type within the same aggregate, followed by a background scanner to clear data protection information, enabling immediate use in read-write mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actual copies are made for data recovery from locked snapshots, then data recovery reliability is improved, but recovery time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a volume clone that references the same underlying data blocks as the source volume. This clone operation is much faster than traditional copy methods because it creates a pointer-based reference rather than physically duplicating all data. The clone can be activated to become a writable volume immediately, providing fast recovery while maintaining data integrity through the pointer reference mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-creating volume clones from snapshots before actual recovery is needed. These clones are prepared in advance with proper metadata and block references established, so when recovery is triggered, the system only needs to activate the pre-prepared clone rather than creating it from scratch during the recovery process.
2Reliability
If volume type restrictions are enforced within aggregates, then data protection integrity is maintained, but volume cloning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of volume type compatibility by allowing clones to have different volume types than their source volumes. Specifically, a clone can be created with a non-data protection volume type even when the source is a data protection volume. This parameter change enables greater flexibility in recovery scenarios while the system maintains integrity through other mechanisms like metadata validation and block reference checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the volume creation process into independent components: the clone structure creation, the block reference establishment, and the activation process. This segmentation allows each component to be handled independently, enabling flexible volume type assignments for clones while maintaining data protection integrity through proper metadata management and block reference validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for performing an instant recovery of data associated with a locked snapshot. In various examples, a recovery of data associated with a locked snapshot is performed by making use of volume cloning functionality instead of making an actual copy of the data to be recovered. In one embodiment, the resulting volume clone representing the recovery volume is cleared of all data protection information (e.g., WORM flags and/or lock metafiles) that was previously used to protect the content from being changed when stored on the data protection volume so as allow the recovery volume to be used in read-write mode.