Point-in-Time Version Access for I/O Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data protection systems face inefficiencies in creating, managing, and monitoring data backup and recovery elements for continuous data protection, particularly in handling I/O operations across multiple point-in-time versions of logical devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process I/O operations by determining, based on specified criteria, whether to direct the operation to the logical device or one of its point-in-time versions, allowing for selective processing and management of these versions to facilitate efficient data protection and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If I/O operations are directed to multiple point-in-time versions of logical devices for continuous data protection, then data protection capability is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a snapshot management component as an intermediary that handles I/O operations to multiple point-in-time versions. This mediator receives I/O requests, determines which snapshot versions need to be accessed based on protection requirements, and coordinates the operations across different versioned logical devices, thereby managing complexity while maintaining enhanced data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where point-in-time versions (snapshots) are created within the logical device hierarchy. Each snapshot contains pointers to data blocks, and multiple snapshots can be nested across different time points. This nesting allows the system to maintain multiple protected versions without requiring separate physical storage systems, reducing overall complexity while improving protection capability
2Reliability
If multiple point-in-time versions of logical devices are maintained for data recovery, then recovery capability is improved, but storage overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple point-in-time versions into a single logical device structure where snapshots share common data blocks. Instead of duplicating entire logical devices for each version, the system combines multiple snapshots that reference shared underlying storage, reducing the total quantity of storage resources required while maintaining full recovery capability across all versions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses selective copying where only changed data blocks are copied to create new snapshot versions, rather than copying entire logical devices. Each snapshot contains pointers to original data blocks and copies only of modified blocks, significantly reducing storage overhead while preserving the ability to recover any point-in-time version
3Productivity
If I/O operations are selectively directed to specific point-in-time versions, then data management efficiency is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the snapshot management system automatically determines which point-in-time versions should receive I/O operations based on predefined policies and protection requirements. The system autonomously routes I/O requests to appropriate snapshot versions without requiring manual intervention, improving data management efficiency while keeping operation complexity hidden from users through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for incremental Continuous Data Protection (iCDP) as a process to secure frequent, and space efficient, versions of consistent point-in-time images of a group of volumes using snapshot technology. The system provides for automation to create and manage frequent snapshots of defined groups of volumes. The incremental approach of the system described herein provides a convenient way to roll back to prior point-in-time versions to investigate data damage due to processing errors or other forms of corruption. Log space in log devices may be reclaimed in connection with managing recovery and roll back capabilities of the system to desired data versions for purposes of data protection. Point in time versions of a source device may be accessed through the source device. The particular point in time version accessed in servicing an I/O may be determined in accordance with one or more criteria.