Logical Volume Data Replication Across Heterogeneous Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges in providing cost-effective backup solutions that can handle multiple data storage devices of different capacities and media types, often requiring expensive RAID systems and time-consuming rebuilding processes, while also lacking the ability to automatically replicate data across diverse devices.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system that groups multiple data storage devices into a logical volume, replicates files across these devices, and allows for the addition or removal of devices without rebuilding, providing RAID-like functionality at a lower cost and maintaining data redundancy without the need for expensive RAID systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive RAID systems are used to provide data redundancy, then data security is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of data across different storage devices (DAS and NAS) to achieve redundancy. Instead of using expensive RAID hardware, the system replicates data files across multiple independent devices, providing the same data security function at lower cost. This is evident in the backup module that copies data from source devices to target devices, and the synchronization module that maintains consistent copies across the distributed storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available storage devices (standard DAS and NAS devices) instead of expensive RAID hardware. These conventional storage devices can be easily replaced or upgraded without requiring specialized RAID controllers or hardware, reducing overall system cost while maintaining data redundancy through software-based replication and synchronization mechanisms.
2Reliability
If data is replicated across multiple devices, then data redundancy is improved, but data synchronization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization module operates periodically to update data across distributed devices. Instead of continuous real-time synchronization, the system performs data synchronization at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events (such as data changes at the source device). This periodic approach reduces the time overhead compared to continuous synchronization while still maintaining data redundancy across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic data synchronization without requiring manual intervention. The synchronization module autonomously detects data changes at source devices, identifies target devices for replication, and executes the synchronization process automatically. This self-service mechanism reduces the time users would otherwise spend manually managing data replication while maintaining up-to-date redundancy across the distributed storage system.
3Reliability
If RAID systems are used for data distribution, then data security is improved, but the rebuilding process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains multiple active copies of data across distributed devices during normal operation, rather than relying on parity calculations or reconstruction algorithms only when failure occurs. When a device fails, the system can immediately retrieve data from other existing copies without requiring time-consuming rebuilding processes. This preliminary replication ensures data security while enabling rapid recovery when devices are added or removed from the distributed storage system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data storage devices of different capacities are grouped, then storage flexibility is improved, but device compatibility becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal logical volume that can accommodate multiple types of storage devices (DAS and NAS) with different capacities and interfaces. The abstraction layer presented to users hides the underlying device diversity, allowing data to be stored and accessed uniformly across heterogeneous devices. The system automatically manages the different device types through a common interface, eliminating the need for users to configure or manage device compatibility manually while maintaining storage flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for replicating data across data storage devices of a logical volume. A data storage system may create a logical volume by grouping the multiple data storage devices together. The data storage devices may be external standalone data storage devices. The data storage system may also replicate data across the logical volume.