Common Snapshot Consistency Point Handling for Low-Latency Replication

The patent segments the common snapshot creation process into multiple independent consistency point operations, one for each replicated dataset. Instead of creating a single global consistency point that blocks all I/O operations, the system creates individual consistency points for each dataset that can be processed independently and in parallel, reducing the overall I/O latency while maintaining data integrity across the replicated systems.

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing consistency points for each replicated dataset before initiating the common snapshot creation process. This allows the system to have consistency checkpoints ready in advance, so when snapshot creation is needed, the system can quickly reference and utilize these pre-positioned consistency points rather than creating them from scratch during the snapshot operation, thereby reducing resumption time.

The patent applies local quality by implementing fine-grained fencing at the dataset level rather than system-wide fencing. When a common snapshot is being created, only the specific datasets that are being snapshotted have their I/O operations fenced, while other datasets and storage operations continue to function normally. This localized approach maintains snapshot consistency for the targeted datasets while preserving business operation continuity for the rest of the system.