Spoofing Device Identifiers for Non-Disruptive Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-disruptive data migration in Linux native multi-pathing environments faces challenges, such as path-related issues that can lead to application downtime during the migration of logical storage devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques that spoof logical device identifiers and utilize a multi-path input-output (MPIO) driver to copy paths and provide temporary identifying information, ensuring a non-disruptive data migration process by avoiding path deletion and maintaining application availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data migration is performed in Linux native multi-pathing environment, then data can be migrated between storage devices, but path-related issues cause application downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying the set of paths from the source multi-path device to the target multi-path device before completing the data migration. This ensures that path information is prepared in advance, allowing the migration to proceed without disrupting application access to the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by temporarily providing identifying information of the source logical storage device to the source access device during migration. This intermediary identity substitution prevents path-related issues that would otherwise cause application downtime, as the source access device continues to recognize valid path identifiers throughout the migration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-pathing software is used for storage access, then multiple paths can be managed, but path-related issues arise during data migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a copy of the set of paths from the source multi-path device and assigning it to the target multi-path device. This copying mechanism simplifies the migration process by automatically transferring path information without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining multi-path management capabilities.
3Reliability
If source access device is provided with correct identifying information, then proper path management is maintained, but migration cannot be completed without disrupting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the target multi-path device with copied path information in advance before the migration is finalized. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the migration completes, the source access device can continue operating with valid path identifiers, maintaining path management integrity while enabling seamless migration without application disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one processing device that includes a processor coupled to a memory. The at least one processing device is configured to implement a source multi-path device between a source access device and a source logical storage device, to implement a target multi-path device between a target access device and a target logical storage device, and to initiate a data migration process to migrate data from the source logical storage device to the target logical storage device. The at least one processing device is further configured, in conjunction with the data migration process, to copy a set of paths of the source multi-path device to the target multi-path device, and to at least temporarily provide to the source access device identifying information of the source logical storage device in place of identifying information of the source multi-path device.