Remote Quorum Component Configuration for Disaster Recovery Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions struggle to provide a high probability of zero data loss and minimize extended service outages, especially in the context of disasters affecting data centers, due to the complexity and difficulty of manual recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A quorum component is deployed on geographically remote network storages using a virtual machine image and executable instructions, automating the configuration process to ensure data replication and integrity, minimizing user errors, and optimizing storage setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual recovery procedures are used after a disaster, then data can be recovered, but the process becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming as business transactions are performed entirely by computer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated quorum component configuration that performs recovery actions in advance by establishing quorum relationships and configurations before disasters occur. The system pre-configures quorum components on remote network storages and maintains quorum information, enabling automatic recovery without manual intervention when failures occur.
2Productivity
If automated quorum component configuration is implemented, then deployment time and user errors are reduced, but system complexity increases due to virtual machine deployment and configuration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically deploys virtual machines, configures quorum components, and manages storage relationships without requiring manual user intervention. The automated configuration process handles volume creation, IP address assignment, and partitioning independently, reducing deployment time while managing complexity through automation rather than simplification.
3Reliability
If quorum components are deployed on geographically remote network storages, then data integrity and availability are improved, but deployment costs and time increase due to manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures quorum components on geographically remote network storages by automatically deploying virtual machines and establishing quorum relationships before disasters occur. This preliminary automated configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual setup after failures, enabling rapid recovery while maintaining geographic distribution for enhanced availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of quorum components is performed, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but the likelihood of user errors and configuration mistakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated configuration that eliminates manual user input for quorum component setup, virtual machine deployment, and storage configuration. The system automatically manages IP addresses, volume sizing, and partitioning, removing human error sources while maintaining the ability to customize quorum relationships and storage parameters through programmatic control.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a computing device of a first network storage receives a virtual machine image and executable instructions for creating a quorum component for a second network storage and a third network storage that replicate data. The computing device implements the virtual machine on the computing device based on the virtual machine image. Further, based on implementing the virtual machine, the computing device executes the executable instructions to create a logical volume on a storage device associated with the computing device, and to create, in the logical volume, at least one target volume for receiving quorum information from the second network storage and/or the third network storage. Connections are established between the virtual machine and the second network storage and the third network storage for the virtual machine to receive quorum information. The virtual machine stores the quorum information in the at least one target volume.