Server Backup Restoration via Driver Request Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server restoration methods from backup data are time-consuming and result in significant downtime, as they require transferring large amounts of data over a network, which can take hours and disrupt mission-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method that creates an image of the server's storage device, uses a modified driver to redirect read requests to the image during boot, and restores critical operating system data first, allowing the server to reboot quickly while transferring remaining data in the background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all server data is transferred from backup storage to local storage during restoration, then complete data restoration is achieved, but server downtime becomes extremely long (many hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration process into two phases: (1) critical data restoration phase where only essential operating system files are restored to enable booting, and (2) background data restoration phase where remaining data is restored asynchronously. This segmentation allows the server to become operational quickly while completing full data restoration in the background, resolving the contradiction between restoration completeness and downtime duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by restoring only the critical portions of data needed for system booting and basic operation before the server needs to be operational. By identifying and prioritizing essential system files (boot loaders, kernel, core utilities), the system can achieve functional restoration quickly, then complete the remaining data restoration in the background without further delaying server availability.
2Reliability
If data is transferred over the network during restoration, then backup data can be restored, but network bandwidth is consumed and transfer speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the necessary subset of data (critical system files) over the network during the initial restoration phase, rather than transferring all data. This partial transfer enables the server to boot and become operational quickly. The remaining data transfer occurs in the background at normal network speeds, eliminating the bottleneck effect of network bandwidth limitations on overall restoration speed.
3Reliability
If the server is physically shut down for restoration, then data can be copied from backup storage, but the server cannot perform useful functions during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by allowing the server to remain powered on and partially operational throughout the restoration process. Critical system files are restored first, enabling the server to boot and provide basic services. Non-critical data restoration continues in the background without requiring server shutdown, thus maintaining continuous productive operation while ensuring data restoration accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of restoring a storage device includes creating an image of the storage device of a computer system; during execution of a boot loader, starting an initialization application that at least partially restores to the storage device, operating system data from the image; modifying a disk driver of the operating system to form a driver that redirects unexecutable storage device read requests to the image; rebooting the computer system using the at least partially restored operating system data; and restoring unaltered portions of remaining data from the image as a background process.