Snapshot Replication via Master-to-Master Metadata Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data replication systems face challenges in replicating snapshots across backup domains, particularly in writing metadata to live volumes and managing expiration policies across cascading replication schemes, where access to write metadata is limited.
Innovation Solution
Establishing master-to-master communication channels between backup domains to transmit metadata separately from the replication channel, allowing for the coordination of storage lifecycle policy information and failure-checking, enabling effective management and interpretation of replicas across domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional replication systems write metadata to the volume of data being replicated, then the metadata can be replicated with the volume data, but the system loses access to write metadata to live volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the replication process into two independent parts: data replication through the storage device and metadata transmission through a separate master-to-master communication channel. This allows the replication system to access metadata at the source master system without needing write access to the live volume, resolving the contradiction between reliable metadata replication and ease of metadata writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a master-to-master communication channel as an intermediary mechanism to transfer metadata between source and target master systems. This intermediary bypasses the need to write metadata directly to the live volume, enabling reliable metadata transmission while maintaining ease of operation at the source system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If replication systems use cascading replication to replicate snapshots across multiple sites, then data can be replicated to multiple locations, but the system complexity increases for managing expiration policies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal master-to-master communication channel that serves multiple functions: transmitting metadata, coordinating storage lifecycle policies, and managing expiration policies across cascading replication chains. This multi-functional approach enables replication across multiple sites while simplifying policy management through a single standardized communication mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the target master system receives storage lifecycle policy information from the source master system through the communication channel, allowing the target system to automatically determine eligibility for expiration based on coordinated policies. This feedback loop reduces complexity by automating policy enforcement across cascading replicas.
3Device complexity
If the replication system uses the same communication channel for both data replication and metadata transmission, then the system structure is simpler, but the metadata transmission reliability and coordination capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into two distinct channels: a data replication channel for transferring volume data and a separate master-to-master communication channel for metadata transmission. This segmentation improves metadata transmission reliability and coordination capability while adding minimal structural complexity, as the master-to-master channel can utilize existing network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for replicating snapshots across backup domains may include 1) identifying a replication of a snapshot from a source storage device within a source domain to a target storage device within a target domain, 2) identifying a source master system within the source domain and a target master system within the target domain, 3) identifying metadata for managing the snapshot at the source master system, and 4) transmitting the metadata from the source master system to the target master system using a master-to-master communication channel that is separate from a communication channel used for the replication. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.