Signature Database for Single Instance Data Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data restoration methods waste network bandwidth by restoring multiple copies of data files with matching signatures, as they often rely on server copies instead of locally available copies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a signature database to identify and restore data files from locally available copies with matching signatures, reducing the need for network bandwidth by processing restore requests and updating the signature database to ensure only the most recent versions are backed up and restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If server copies are used to service restore requests, then data restoration can be performed, but network bandwidth is wasted due to unnecessary data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and stores signatures (hash values) for all data files in a signature database before restoration is needed. This preliminary action enables rapid identification of locally available copies during restoration, avoiding unnecessary network transmission while ensuring data can be restored from local copies when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signature database as an intermediary between the restore request and the data files. Instead of directly accessing or transmitting full data files, the system uses the signature database to identify matching files locally, serving as a mediator that enables efficient restoration decisions without requiring network bandwidth for identification.
2Reliability
If multiple copies of data files with matching signatures are restored, then all restore requests are serviced, but data duplication occurs wasting storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signature information (hash values) from the actual data files and stores it separately in a signature database. This extraction allows the system to identify and use local copies without duplicating the full data files, fulfilling restore requests while avoiding unnecessary data duplication and storage waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores copies of file signatures (hash values) in a centralized signature database, rather than copying the actual data files. This lightweight copying approach enables efficient identification of locally available data files without creating redundant data copies, thus fulfilling restore requests while preventing data duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing single instance restoration of data files is provided. In one embodiment, a method for using a signature database to provide a single instance data restoration solution includes processing a restore request for a data file, wherein the data file is associated with a signature and examining a signature database using the signature to identify at least one locally available data file having at least one signature that matches the signature associated with the data file.