Proxy Device Tagging for Non-Disruptive Storage Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional approaches to migrating logical storage devices, such as Linux block devices, are often disruptive and require initial reconfiguration of applications, leading to significant delays.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a non-disruptive migration technique that uses a proxy device to tag IO operations and a mirror device for mirroring data between the source and target devices, allowing for seamless data transfer without initial application reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional migration approaches are used, then data can be migrated from source to target device, but application reconfiguration is required causing significant initial delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemigration delayVSAvoidapplication reconfiguration requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy device as an intermediary component that sits between the application and the storage devices. This proxy device intercepts I/O operations, tags them appropriately, and routes them to either the source or target device during migration. By using this intermediary, the application continues to operate without any reconfiguration while the proxy handles the complex migration logic in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring the proxy device and establishing the mirroring relationship between source and target devices before the actual data migration begins. The proxy device is set up to intercept and tag I/O operations in advance, and the mirroring infrastructure is prepared beforehand, allowing migration to proceed without disrupting application operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If application reconfiguration is performed before migration, then migration can proceed, but productivity is reduced due to initial delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemigration efficiencyVSAvoidinitial delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by allowing the application to continue its normal I/O operations throughout the migration process without interruption. The proxy device tags I/O operations and routes them appropriately while the application runs uninterrupted, maintaining continuous productive work rather than pausing for reconfiguration and migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy device acts as a mediator that enables migration to occur without stopping application productivity. It handles the complex routing and tagging of I/O operations in the background while the application continues to function at full productivity, eliminating the need to sacrifice productivity for migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If proxy device with tagging is used, then non-disruptive migration is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-disruptive migration capabilityVSAvoidproxy device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy device is designed with multi-functionality to justify its added complexity. It simultaneously performs multiple functions: intercepting I/O operations, tagging them with migration information, routing them to appropriate devices, and managing the mirroring relationship. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single proxy device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

While the proxy device does add complexity, it serves as a necessary intermediary that enables non-disruptive migration. The complexity is concentrated in this single component rather than distributed throughout the system, and it provides the coordination needed to maintain reliability during migration without requiring application-level changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250028451A1Efficient migration of logical storage devices without requiring initial application reconfiguration

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An apparatus in an illustrative embodiment implements a proxy device for a first logical storage device. The proxy device inserts tags into respective received input-output (IO) operations before directing those IO operations to the first logical storage device. The apparatus further implements a mirror device to provide a mirroring arrangement between the proxy device and a second logical storage device. In addition, the apparatus checks, in an entry point associated with the first logical storage device, each IO operation directed to the first logical storage device for a tag inserted by the proxy device. The apparatus provides, from the entry point to the first logical storage device, any received IO operations that have the tag. Furthermore, the apparatus redirects, from the entry point to the mirror device providing the mirroring arrangement, any received IO operations that do not have the tag.