Storage Array Recovery via Remote Deduplication Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges in providing continuous and efficient data replication and point-in-time recovery, especially when dealing with large datasets and complex storage systems, as they often rely on periodic backups and may not allow for granular recovery options.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extracting configuration files from a deduplication device, configuring a storage array, and extracting data at a specific point-in-time to send it to the storage array, enabling continuous data replication and point-in-time recovery through the use of journaling and snapshot synthesis techniques, which allow for any point-in-time access and efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional periodic backup systems are used, then data protection is provided, but granular recovery capabilities and data accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup system into multiple functional components: a deduplication device for data reduction, a storage array for data retention, and a recovery system for data retrieval. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, enabling both comprehensive data protection and granular recovery capabilities simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining deduplicated data and metadata in ready states before recovery is needed. Configuration files, data blocks, and metadata are pre-processed and stored in the storage array, allowing immediate recovery at any point-in-time without waiting for periodic backup cycles
2Ease of operation
If data replication is implemented, then data accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create deduplicated copies of data blocks and metadata in the storage array. Instead of replicating entire datasets, only unique data blocks are copied and stored, reducing redundancy while maintaining data accessibility. Configuration files are also copied and stored to enable system recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The storage array serves multiple functions: storing deduplicated data blocks, maintaining metadata, preserving configuration files, and supporting recovery operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining data accessibility
3Ease of operation
If continuous data replication is implemented, then point-in-time recovery is enabled, but backup costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data storage by implementing deduplication, which stores only unique data blocks instead of complete copies. This parameter change reduces storage requirements and simplifies the backup infrastructure needed for continuous replication and point-in-time recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration files as an intermediary that bridges the deduplication device and storage array. These files contain metadata and mapping information that enable the recovery system to reconstruct data at any point-in-time without requiring complex direct access to the deduplication device, thereby reducing backup system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method includes extracting configuration files from a deduplication device, configuring a storage array based on the configuration files extracted, extracting data for a point-in-time (PIT) from the deduplication device and sending the data for the PIT extracted to the storage array. In another aspect, an apparatus includes electronic hardware circuitry configured to extract configuration files from a deduplication device, configure a storage array based on the configuration files extracted, extract data for a PIT from the deduplication device and send the data for the PIT extracted to the storage array. In a further aspect, an article includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions. The instructions cause a machine to extract configuration files from a deduplication device, configure a storage array based on the configuration files extracted, extract data for a PIT from the deduplication device and send the data for the PIT extracted to the storage array.