Rack Power Controller Synchronized Data Dump
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-server storage systems like the IBM DS8000, data loss can occur during power outages due to insufficient battery energy or delayed initiation of data copying from non-volatile storage to more persistent storage.
Innovation Solution
A method where rack power controllers detect the battery status of uninterruptible power supplies and communicate this status to initiate a synchronized data dump from memory to more persistent storage only when both supplies are on battery, ensuring data integrity and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data copying from NVS to persistent storage is initiated quickly after power outage, then data loss is prevented, but battery energy may be insufficient to complete the copy process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by copying modified data from NVS to persistent storage during normal operation before power outages occur. This eliminates the need for urgent copying during power failures, ensuring data protection without consuming battery energy during outages.
2Reliability
If battery energy is increased to ensure complete copy process, then data protection is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data copying during normal operation before power outages, eliminating the need for large battery capacities. This preliminary action approach protects data without requiring increased battery energy or system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If data copying is delayed to ensure sufficient battery energy, then complete copy is achieved, but data loss occurs during the delay period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data copying during normal operation before power outages occur, eliminating the need to delay copying to conserve battery energy. This ensures data is protected without any delay that could result in data loss.
4Device complexity
If single server handles data copying during power outage, then system complexity is reduced, but data protection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data copying responsibilities between multiple servers during power outages. Each server copies its own modified data from NVS to persistent storage, distributing the workload and improving data protection reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for protecting data in a storage system is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes detecting, by a first rack power controller, first battery-on status associated with a first uninterruptible power supply. The method further detects, by a second rack power controller, second battery-on status associated with a second uninterruptible power supply. The method communicates, from the first rack power controller to the second rack power controller, the first battery-on status. The method then triggers, by the second rack power controller, a dump of modified data from memory to more persistent storage upon detecting both the first battery-on status and the second battery-on status. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.