Snapshot Replication Using Chain Identification Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual computing systems face challenges in efficiently replicating snapshots and clones across sites due to the complexity of selecting an optimal reference snapshot, especially in environments with disconnected hierarchies and numerous namespaces, leading to increased data transfer and storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a Chain Identification Number (CID) for snapshots, compute closeness values, and create a list of potential reference snapshots to select an optimal reference snapshot for minimal data transfer, even in disconnected hierarchies, by maintaining a chain hierarchy and utilizing ancestor or descendant snapshots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional snapshot replication methods are used without optimal reference selection, then the replication process is simple, but the data transfer volume increases and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing closeness values between snapshots and pre-establishing a list of potential reference snapshots before the actual replication occurs. This allows the optimal reference snapshot to be identified in advance, enabling efficient replication with minimal data transfer while avoiding the complexity of real-time reference selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using closeness values and chain identification numbers (CIDs) as mediators between the source snapshot and potential reference snapshots. These intermediaries enable the system to objectively compare and select the optimal reference without complex analysis, reducing both data transfer and selection complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous snapshots are maintained in disconnected hierarchies with multiple namespaces, then replication flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of selecting an optimal reference snapshot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex snapshot hierarchy into manageable units using chain identification numbers (CIDs) that group snapshots by their replication chain. This segmentation allows the system to handle disconnected hierarchies and multiple namespaces independently, maintaining replication flexibility while simplifying the reference selection process through organized categorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for reference selection from subjective or complex criteria to objective closeness values based on CID relationships. This parameter transformation makes the selection process measurable and automated, reducing the difficulty of detecting optimal references while preserving adaptability across complex hierarchies.
3Quantity of substance
If full snapshot replication is performed without reference selection, then the replication process is simple, but storage requirements and data transfer increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of copying entire snapshots, the patent uses reference snapshots to create incremental copies only of the changed portions. By selecting an optimal reference snapshot that shares maximum data with the source, the system minimizes the quantity of data that needs to be transferred and stored, while the automated reference selection maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method determining a Chain Identification Number (CID) of a source snapshot to be replicated from a source site to a target site of a virtual computing system, determining a predetermined number of potential reference snapshots based on the CID of the source snapshot, computing a closeness value between the source snapshot and each of the potential reference snapshots, and creating a list of the potential reference snapshots based on the closeness value of each of the potential reference snapshots. One snapshot from the list is selected as a reference snapshot. The source snapshot is replicated to the target site based on the reference snapshot.