Proxy Node Backup and Restore for Virtual Machine Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex computing environments like clusters, restoring virtual machines from backups is cumbersome due to the need to install data protection software on each destination node, especially when dealing with incremental backups and varied node configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a proxy node with an agent installed in the hypervisor layer can perform backup and restore operations for virtual machines across the cluster, eliminating the need to install software on each destination node by using a framework that takes snapshots and manages configuration information to facilitate backup and restore processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data protection software is installed on each destination node to perform restore operations, then restore functionality is available on each node, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate as the number of nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a source node as an intermediary that performs the restore operation remotely. Instead of requiring data protection software on each destination node, the source node (which has the software) acts as a mediator to restore virtual machines to destination nodes over the network, eliminating the need for software installation on destination nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The source node is designed to perform multiple functions: it can back up virtual machines from other nodes, store backup data, and restore virtual machines to any destination node in the cluster. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated restore software on each node, as the source node handles all restore operations universally.
2Reliability
If data protection software is installed on each destination node, then restore operations can be performed locally, but ease of operation and productivity worsen in large cluster environments
Solution Approach 1:
The source node serves as a centralized intermediary that manages all restore operations for the cluster. Users initiate restore operations from the source node, which then handles the actual restoration process remotely, simplifying the user experience and eliminating the need for software installation on destination nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The restore functionality is extracted from the destination nodes and consolidated on the source node. By taking out the data protection software from each destination node and centralizing it on the source node, the system reduces complexity while maintaining restore capabilities through remote operation.
3Quantity of substance
If incremental backups are used to reduce backup data volume, then storage efficiency improves, but restore operation complexity increases due to the need to apply multiple incremental backups in sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The source node automatically manages the complex process of applying incremental backups in the correct sequence. The data protection software on the source node handles the coordination of full and incremental backups, automatically retrieving and applying them in the proper order without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining simplicity despite using incremental backup technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The source node acts as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of incremental backup restoration from the user. While incremental backups are used to reduce storage, the source node automatically manages the complex process of retrieving and applying multiple incremental backups in sequence, presenting a simple restore operation to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for backing up and restoring virtual machines in a cluster environment. An instrumentation interface enables configuration data to be stored with save sets during backup and enables the configuration of the destination to be adjusted based on the stored configuration during a restore.