Policy-Based Local-Cloud File Synchronization for Priority Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud file storage systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing local and remote file systems, leading to outdated cloud file systems and prolonged downtime, which can be problematic for immediate access to files, especially during large data transfers.
Innovation Solution
A policy-based allocation of synchronization resources is implemented, assigning events to different service classes with varying priorities and quotas, allowing high-priority data to be synchronized first, ensuring near-real-time access to both local and remote file systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete file system synchronization is performed, then data reliability is improved, but synchronization time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments synchronization events into different service classes (e.g., critical files vs. non-critical files, real-time requirements vs. background synchronization). This allows the system to synchronize important data immediately while defer less critical data, thereby maintaining data reliability for essential files while reducing overall synchronization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic priority assignment where service classes can be configured with different synchronization priorities and bandwidth allocations. The system dynamically adjusts synchronization behavior based on event type, file importance, and resource availability, enabling fast synchronization for critical data while allowing less critical data to be synchronized at lower priority levels.
2Speed
If high-priority events are synchronized immediately, then access speed is improved, but lower-priority events wait longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides events into multiple service classes with different priority levels and bandwidth quotas. High-priority events (e.g., critical file changes) are processed immediately with full bandwidth allocation, while lower-priority events are processed in batches or at reduced speed, ensuring fast access for critical data while still completing all necessary synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of synchronization bandwidth allocation based on service class priority. Higher priority service classes receive larger bandwidth quotas and lower latency treatment, while lower priority classes receive reduced bandwidth and can tolerate longer processing times. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization bandwidth is allocated equally to all events, then fairness is improved, but high-priority data synchronization is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different quality levels (priorities and bandwidth quotas) to different service classes based on their specific requirements. Critical file synchronization events receive high-quality service with guaranteed bandwidth and immediate processing, while non-critical events receive lower-quality service. This differentiated approach ensures high-priority data availability while maintaining overall synchronization flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing a local file system (LFS) and a remote (cloud) file system (RFS) includes the step of storing events indicative of differences between the LFS and the RFS, where the events are associated with file system objects of the LFS and RFS. The method further includes the steps of prioritizing the events, generating file system operations for the events based at least in part on the prioritization of the events, and performing at least some of the file system operations to synchronize the LFS and RFS. Prioritizing the events includes defining a plurality of service classes (e.g., based on type of event, event attribute, etc.), assigning a priority to each of the service classes, and assigning each event to one of said service classes. Systems are also described. The invention allocates limited synchronization resources based on a predefined policy to synchronize important file system objects sooner.