Parallel Consistency Group Migration in Active-Active Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data protection systems require system shutdown during backups, limit recovery points, and are time-consuming and resource-intensive, leading to potential data loss in the event of a disaster.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data migration process that uses asynchronous and synchronous data replication to migrate consistency groups between source and target devices in an active-active mode, allowing seamless data transfer without system unavailability and enabling cutover operations to deactivate the source device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional data backup systems are used, then data protection is provided, but system shutdown is required during backup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a standby copy of the data storage system in advance. The standby system is pre-configured with identical structure and capacity, allowing it to take over immediately when needed. This eliminates the need for system shutdown during backup, as the standby system is already prepared and can assume operational status without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a standby data storage system that replicates the production system's structure, capacity, and functionality. This standby copy operates in parallel during normal operations and can seamlessly take over when failures occur, enabling continuous system availability without requiring shutdown during backup operations.
2Quantity of substance
If data is backed up periodically, then storage resources are conserved, but recovery time is limited and data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The standby system is maintained in a ready state continuously, not just periodically. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a failure occurs, the system can recover immediately without waiting for the next scheduled backup cycle. The standby system's continuous readiness eliminates recovery time delays and prevents data loss during the recovery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby data storage system operates continuously in a ready state, maintaining the ability to recover data at any moment. This continuous readiness contrasts with periodic backup systems that are inactive between cycles. The standby system's continuous useful action ensures immediate recovery capability and eliminates gaps where data loss could occur.
3Reliability
If data replication is performed, then data protection is improved, but migration time and system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The standby system is pre-configured with the same structure, capacity, and addressing scheme as the production system before migration is needed. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming reconfiguration during failure recovery. The standby system is ready to assume operational status immediately, reducing migration time and system resource consumption during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by switching between production and standby system roles through configuration changes rather than physical migration. When a failure occurs, the system changes operational parameters to redirect data access to the standby system, which already has the correct structure and addressing. This approach eliminates time-consuming structural reconfiguration and reduces migration time significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments provide systems and processes for performing data migration in a storage system. One or more consistency groups are migrated from at least one source device to at least one target device in the storage system. The consistency groups are replicated from the source device to the target device by an asynchronous data replication operation from the source device to the target device and one or more synchronous data replication operations from the source device to the target device if data stored on the source device is changed. The consistency groups are operated on the source device and the target device in an active-active mode, wherein the source device and target device are active and accessible by host devices. Replicated consistency groups are determined to include in a cutover operation that is performed by deactivating the at least one source device associated with the included consistency groups.