One-to-many storage replication via linked consistency groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data replication methods face challenges in maintaining consistency between multiple storage systems, particularly when involving more than two systems, due to difficulties in synchronizing data across them.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a one-to-many replication technique, where a first storage system initiates replication sessions to create linked consistency groups in multiple other storage systems, with periodic updates using snap-and-reassign operations and active snapshot sets to ensure data consistency across all systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data replication methods are used to replicate data across multiple storage systems, then data can be transferred between systems, but maintaining data consistency becomes difficult when involving more than two storage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-system replication problem into multiple pairwise replication sessions. Instead of attempting to coordinate all systems simultaneously, the invention creates separate replication sessions between the source storage system and each target storage system, managing consistency through individual session control rather than complex multi-system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces consistency groups as intermediary constructs that mediate data consistency across multiple storage systems. These consistency groups act as logical containers that track and coordinate replication state, serving as intermediaries between the source and multiple target systems to ensure consistent data distribution without direct peer-to-peer coordination between targets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage volumes are refreshed or restored to previous versions during ongoing replication processes, then data can be updated or recovered, but conventional methods require process termination or restart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic replication sessions that can adapt to changes in the source storage system state. When volumes are refreshed or restored, the replication sessions dynamically adjust by detecting the new state and resuming or restarting from the appropriate checkpoint, rather than requiring complete process termination. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous replication operation despite intermediate volume changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes replication sessions with pre-configured state tracking and checkpoint mechanisms before volume changes occur. By preliminarily setting up the ability to track replication state and define recovery points, the system can quickly resume replication after volume refreshes or restores without requiring full process re-initialization, maintaining operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured to initiate a first replication session to replicate data of a first consistency group in a first storage system to a second consistency group in a second storage system, to create an additional consistency group linked to the first consistency group in the first storage system, and to initiate a second replication session to replicate data of the additional consistency group to another consistency group in a third storage system. The additional consistency group linked to the first consistency group in some embodiments is periodically updated against the first consistency group. For example, in one or more embodiments the second consistency group is updated based at least in part on an active snapshot set of the first replication session, and the additional consistency group is updated based at least in part on the first consistency group.