Block-Based Sparse Backup Images for Selective File System Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data backup methods either backup all files in a volume, including unnecessary metadata, or require complete backups and incremental updates, which can be inefficient in terms of storage space and time, especially when only a subset of files needs to be backed up.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating a block-based sparse backup image that selectively copies only the data blocks and necessary metadata for a specified subset of files, excluding unnecessary files and blocks, allowing for efficient backup and restoration of a subset of files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If block-based backup images are created to backup all files in a volume, then complete data protection is achieved, but storage space requirements and backup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backup image is segmented into individual data blocks, allowing selective copying of only the blocks corresponding to files that need to be backed up, rather than copying the entire volume. This segmentation enables the system to backup only necessary portions of data while maintaining the ability to restore complete files when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete block-based backup of the entire volume, the system performs a partial backup by identifying and copying only the data blocks associated with files that meet specific criteria (such as recently modified files or files in specific directories). This partial action reduces storage requirements while still providing adequate protection for the most critical data.
2Volume of stationary object
If file-level backup is used to backup only specific files, then storage space is reduced, but metadata and file system structure are not backed up
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of file-level backup (selectivity) with block-based backup (metadata inclusion) by copying data blocks along with their associated metadata structures. This combination allows the system to backup only specific files while still preserving the file system metadata needed for proper restoration and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses metadata structures as intermediaries to bridge the gap between selective file backup and complete block backup. By identifying which data blocks correspond to files needing backup and selectively copying those blocks along with their metadata, the system achieves both space efficiency and data protection without requiring complete volume backup.
3Reliability
If complete block-based backup is performed, then all data and metadata are protected, but backup time and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Before performing the backup, the system performs preliminary identification of which files and data blocks need to be backed up based on predefined criteria or user selection. This preliminary action allows the backup process to proceed more efficiently by copying only the identified blocks rather than scanning the entire volume, thus reducing backup time while maintaining protection for critical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup process skips unnecessary data blocks by directly copying only the blocks corresponding to files that meet the backup criteria. Instead of sequentially copying all blocks in the volume, the system identifies and copies only the essential blocks, rushing through the backup process for critical data while omitting unnecessary portions to save time and resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating a backup image from a volume including a plurality of files are described. Information specifying a subset of the files, but not all of the files, to backup may be received. The volume may include a plurality of blocks, where the plurality of blocks includes a respective set of data blocks for each file of the volume and blocks of file system metadata structures for the volume. The method may comprise identifying a subset of, but not all of, the plurality of blocks to copy into the backup image. The subset of blocks may include each data block for each file of the subset of files, and may also include blocks of one or more file system metadata structures needed for accessing the subset of files. The method may further comprise copying each block of the subset of blocks into the backup image. In some embodiments the subset of blocks may be copied into the backup image without copying data blocks for files not in the specified subset of files.