Signature-Based Volume Matching for Data Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges in minimizing downtime during recovery and keeping pace with high data transaction rates, leading to potential production site shutdowns due to the overhead of journaling processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic matching of replication volumes to production volumes using signature calculation and comparison, allowing for dynamic adaptation to changing data transaction rates by creating a mapping based on similarity and size criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If journaling is used to enable continuous data protection and recovery to any point in time, then the ability to recover to any specified point in time is improved, but the overhead causes the backup site to fall behind at high data transaction rates, potentially forcing production site shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume matching function from manual configuration processes and implements it as an automated signature-based matching system. The system calculates signatures for production and replication volumes, automatically matches them based on signature similarity, and configures replication relationships without manual intervention, thereby reducing overhead and eliminating the need for production site shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of volume identification from manual metadata to automated signature-based identification. By calculating signatures (hash values) of volume data and comparing them, the system dynamically adapts to changing data transaction rates and automatically maintains accurate volume mappings without becoming a bottleneck
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of replication volumes is used, then setup simplicity is maintained, but automation and adaptability to changing data transaction rates are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the replication system to automatically configure itself. The system calculates signatures for volumes, autonomously matches production volumes with replication volumes based on signature comparison, and automatically establishes replication relationships without requiring manual configuration, thereby achieving both ease of operation and high automation
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, system, and computer program product for use in replication comprising calculating a set of signatures for each of a set of LUNs on a production site, calculating a set of signatures for each of a set of LUNs on a replication site, comparing the set of signatures to determine a mapping for the set of LUNs on the production site to the set of LUNs on the replication site, and matching a the set of LUNs on the production site to the set of LUNs on the replication site.