Replication Appliance Event-Based Data Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Continuous Data Protection (CDP) systems lack a defined method to create a replicated image of logged data based on specific events, leading to potential data loss and inefficiencies in data recovery and archival processes.
Innovation Solution
A replication appliance coupled to a backup media server communicates via in-band or out-of-band protocols to receive notifications of backup completion, triggering the replication of data changes to form a consistent replicated image for storage, either locally or remotely, thereby providing a defined trigger for data replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous data protection systems log all data changes continuously, then data recovery capability is improved, but there is no defined point and time to create replicated images for archival purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously logging data changes in advance, maintaining a ready pool of change data that can be rapidly replicated when triggered by backup events, thus enabling both continuous protection and on-demand archival
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring backup event completion and using these events as triggers to initiate replication of logged change data, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that synchronizes archival with backup operations
2Quantity of substance
If traditional backup methods are used periodically, then storage resources are conserved, but data created or changed after the last backup is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous logging of data changes between periodic backup operations, ensuring that no data changes are missed while still using periodic backup triggers to initiate replication, thus combining the benefits of continuous protection with periodic resource management
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic backup events as triggers to initiate replication of accumulated change data, combining periodic resource-intensive operations with continuous data capture to balance storage efficiency with data protection
3Reliability
If replicated images are created continuously in CDP systems, then data availability is improved, but there is no defined point and time for replication triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces backup events as an intermediary trigger mechanism that bridges continuous data logging and replicated image creation, using the backup event completion as a mediating signal to initiate replication at appropriate intervals without requiring continuous replication operations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a replication appliance that is coupled to a backup media server. The media server communicates with the replication appliance via either an in-band communication or an out-of-band communication that informs the replication appliance of the completion of a backup within backup software. Upon receiving the notification of the event, the replication appliance will replicate the change data forming a replicated image of that data for storage either locally or remotely from the replication appliance. This replicated image may be used for archival purposes.