Network Channel Data Flow Reconfiguration for Replication Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data replication appliances do not effectively manage replication data flow across different network types, such as Fibre Channel and IP networks, leading to inefficiencies and potential downtime due to unoptimized data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that monitors and reconfigures data flow across network channels by identifying characteristics and performance metrics of Fibre Channel and Ethernet protocols, determining network latency, and adjusting data flow to optimize bandwidth and reduce latency, including batching data segments only when it improves network latency for Fibre Channel but not for Ethernet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional replication appliances are used to transmit replication data across different network types, then data replication can be performed, but network latency and transmission efficiency deteriorate due to lack of protocol-specific optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters based on network conditions and protocol characteristics. It monitors network latency, bandwidth, and protocol type (Fibre Channel vs. Ethernet) to adjust data flow configuration, thereby optimizing transmission efficiency and reducing latency while maintaining replication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data flow reconfiguration that adapts to changing network conditions. The system continuously monitors performance metrics and automatically adjusts replication strategies in real-time, transitioning between different transmission modes based on current network state rather than using static configuration
2Productivity
If data flow is reconfigured based on network characteristics and performance metrics, then replication efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to monitoring and decision-making mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically monitoring its own network channels and making decisions about data flow reconfiguration. The replication appliance autonomously identifies network characteristics, evaluates performance metrics, and adjusts transmission parameters without external intervention, reducing the need for complex external management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors network performance metrics and uses this information to adjust data flow configuration. The monitoring of latency, bandwidth, and protocol performance creates a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes replication efficiency based on real-time network conditions
3Speed
If network latency is reduced through protocol-specific optimization, then data transmission speed improves, but adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates due to specialized configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work universally across multiple network protocols and conditions. It implements a unified data flow reconfiguration mechanism that can handle both Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks, as well as various network conditions (congestion, propagation delays, packet loss), making it adaptable to different environments while maintaining optimized performance
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for reconfiguring data flow across network channels may include (1) monitoring, in a replication environment, a first network channel and a second network channel that transmit replication data, where the first network channel transmits the replication data using a first network protocol and the second network channel transmits the replication data using a second network protocol that is different than the first network protocol, (2) identifying one or more characteristics of the first and second network channels, (3) obtaining one or more performance metrics of the first and second network channels, and (4) reconfiguring data flow within the replication environment based on both the characteristics and the performance metrics of the first and second network channels. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.