LTFS to RANVM Data Copy via Block Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for copying data from a Linear Tape File System (LTFS)-based storage system to a Random Access Nonvolatile Memory (RANVM) drive are inefficient due to the lengthy seek operations required for magnetic tape handling, which significantly increase the data copy time, especially when dealing with large files.
Innovation Solution
The data is copied in units of blocks rather than files, eliminating the need for seek operations to determine data positions on the magnetic recording tape, and a correspondence table is created to map data positions in LTFS to positions on the RANVM drive, allowing for efficient data transfer without performing seek operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If data is copied in units of files from LTFS-based storage system to RANVM drive, then data can be transferred with proper file structure preservation, but seek operations are performed which significantly increase copy time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides data into blocks and copies them sequentially from LTFS to RANVM drive without performing seek operations between blocks. By segmenting the copy process at the block level rather than file level, the system eliminates the time-consuming seek operations that would otherwise be required to access different files on the magnetic tape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by organizing data into continuous blocks on the LTFS tape before copying. This preliminary organization allows the copy process to proceed sequentially without interruptions for seek operations, as all required data blocks are already positioned contiguously on the tape medium.
2Measurement precision
If seek operations are performed on magnetic tape to determine data positions, then accurate data location is achieved, but the length of magnetic tape (over 1000 meters) causes seek operations to take relatively much longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical seek operation system with a logical block addressing system. Instead of physically moving the tape to different positions to locate data, the system uses block numbers and correspondence tables to identify and copy data sequentially, eliminating the mechanical constraints of tape length and seek speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correspondence table as an intermediary between the LTFS file system and the RANVM drive. This table maps logical block addresses to physical tape positions, allowing the system to determine data locations through logical addressing rather than physical tape seeking, thereby achieving both accuracy and speed.
3Reliability
If cloud vendors guarantee online accessibility of data within 24 hours regardless of data volume, then service level agreement is met, but the volume of data received from logistics per unit of time may exceed the volume that can be copied to online system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic copy process that adapts to varying data volumes by copying data in continuous blocks without seek operations. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize throughput during the copy process, enabling larger data volumes to be processed within the 24-hour service guarantee window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of the data copy operation by eliminating seek operations that would interrupt the copying process. Data blocks are copied continuously from LTFS to RANVM drive, maximizing the productive action time and increasing overall data transfer throughput to meet service level agreements.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method according to one approach includes copying data stored on a Linear Tape File System (LTFS)-based storage system to blocks of a Random Access Nonvolatile Memory (RANVM) drive. The data is copied in units of the blocks of the drive. The method further includes constructing file metadata so that the copied data on the drive is accessible as one or more files. A computer program product according to another approach includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method. A system according to another approach includes a processor, and logic integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor. The logic is configured to perform the foregoing method.