Mirroring Module Optimizes Data Copying Between Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mirroring data storage systems face significant delays in data transfer due to the need to send all data from the primary to the secondary storage device, especially over slow network connections or large distances, necessitating a reduction in data transmission between mirrored devices during copying operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a mirroring module to determine if a local copy of data is stored on a secondary device and if the destination on the primary device is mirrored by the secondary device, allowing for the sending of a second command to the secondary device to copy the data portion, thereby reducing data transmission by leveraging existing mirroring relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all data is sent from the primary data storage device to the secondary data storage device for copying operations, then the mirroring relationship is maintained, but the data transmission time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking whether the destination location is already mirrored on the secondary device before initiating data transfer. This advance verification allows the system to skip unnecessary transmission steps, thereby reducing data transmission time while maintaining mirroring integrity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary data transmission steps from the copying process. By identifying and removing redundant transmission operations (where the destination is already mirrored), the system maintains essential mirroring relationships while eliminating time-consuming unnecessary data transfers.
2Productivity
If data is copied on the primary data storage device to another location, then the copy operation is completed, but all copied data must be sent to the secondary data storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by transmitting only the portion of copied data that is necessary to maintain mirroring. Instead of sending all copied data unconditionally, the system determines the minimal required transmission based on whether the destination location exists on the secondary device, thus improving productivity without excessive transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a copying approach where the system creates a logical representation of the mirroring relationship without physical data transmission. When the destination location is already mirrored, the system copies the metadata indicating this state rather than physically transmitting the data again, thereby maintaining copying functionality while reducing transmission time.
3Reliability
If the destination of the copied data is mirrored by the secondary data storage device, then redundancy is maintained, but sending all copied data involves significant transmission times
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring and checking the mirroring status of destination locations before initiating data transmission. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt its transmission behavior based on the current state of the mirroring relationship, maintaining redundancy where needed while optimizing transmission efficiency by avoiding redundant transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
Before performing data transmission, the system executes preliminary checks to determine whether the destination location is already mirrored on the secondary device. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary data transmission, thereby maintaining redundancy relationships while significantly improving data transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a copy command, by a primary data storage device, to copy a data portion stored on the primary data storage device to another location on the primary data storage device; determining, with a mirroring module, whether a local copy of the data portion is stored on a secondary data storage device and whether the another location on the primary data storage device is mirrored by the secondary data storage device, the secondary data storage device at least partially mirroring the primary data storage device; and if the local copy of the data portion is stored on the secondary data storage device and the another location is mirrored by the secondary data storage device, sending a second command to the secondary data storage device to copy the local copy of the data portion to another location on the secondary data storage device.