NDMP Backup Multiplexing via Virtual Tape Identities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP) does not support multiplexing for local backup solutions involving multiple backup data streams from Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, leading to inefficient use of fast tape storage devices and increased backup time.
Innovation Solution
Creating multiple identities of a sequential access media device on a server, allocating memory for each identity, and using Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels to multiplex and transmit backup data streams efficiently to the tape storage device, enabling concurrent writing of multiple backup streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple backup data streams are sent to a tape storage device, then the tape storage device can be effectively utilized, but the backup time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup process by creating multiple identities of the sequential access media device on the server, each identity associated with a separate buffer memory and DMA channel. This allows multiple backup data streams to be processed simultaneously through different segments of the system rather than sequentially through a single processing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-allocating buffer memories and dedicating DMA channels to each backup data stream before the actual backup process begins. This preparation enables immediate concurrent processing of multiple streams without initialization delays during the backup operation.
2Ease of operation
If backup data streams are transmitted through a backup server, then data can be transported between NAS devices and tape storage, but the backup speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bottleneck by removing the backup server from the critical data transmission path. Instead of routing all backup data through the backup server, the system establishes direct connections between NAS devices and the tape storage device, with the server only managing multiple identities and coordinating the backup process rather than transporting the actual data streams.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NDMP protocol is used for NAS devices with custom operating systems, then backup support is provided, but multiplexing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer at the server level that creates multiple identities of the sequential access media device. This intermediary mechanism enables multiplexing functionality without requiring modifications to the NDMP protocol or the custom operating systems on NAS devices, thus maintaining compatibility while adding advanced capabilities.
4Speed
If tape storage devices stream data faster than client agents can create backup streams, then data writing capacity is available, but the tape device capacity is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple slower backup data streams from different NAS devices into a single aggregated high-speed stream that fully utilizes the tape storage device's data writing capacity. By combining multiple input streams and processing them through dedicated DMA channels, the system matches the tape device's high streaming speed with sufficient data supply.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for backing up multiplexed backup data streams from a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device to a sequential access media device are disclosed. One such method involves creating multiple identities of the sequential access media device on a server. A portion of a memory of the server is allocated to each respective identity of the sequential access media device. A backup data stream from the NAS device is written to each allocated portion of the memory. Data written to each allocated portion of the memory is multiplexed for transmission to the sequential access media device for storage.