Storage Array Splitter for Continuous Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges in maintaining continuous data protection, particularly in keeping pace with high data transaction rates at production sites without slowing down the production site, leading to potential backlogs and system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A data protection system that includes a splitter at a first storage array, using a data protection appliance (DPA) to continuously copy and replicate data from the first storage array to a second storage array, enabling dynamic adaptation to changing data transaction rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If journaling is used to enable continuous data protection and rollback capability, then the ability to recover to any specified point-in-time is improved, but the overhead of multiple data transactions at the backup site causes the backup site to fall behind when data transaction rates are high
Solution Approach 1:
A splitter device is introduced as an intermediary component that intercepts data transactions at the source storage array before they reach the backup site. The splitter captures write commands and data blocks, then forwards them to the backup site through the journaling process. This intermediary role allows the splitter to buffer and manage the transaction flow, preventing the backup site from being overwhelmed by high transaction rates while maintaining complete journal records for point-in-time recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transaction process is segmented into distinct components: the splitter separates write commands from data blocks, the journaling process separates metadata recording from actual data replication, and the backup site processes these segmented elements independently. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the splitter handles high-speed interception, the journal maintains transaction logs, and the backup site performs systematic recovery operations without bottlenecking the overall system.
2Productivity
If the production site operates at high data transaction rates, then system performance and productivity are improved, but the backup site cannot keep pace, leading to backlogs and potential system shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter performs preliminary actions by intercepting and capturing data transactions at the source before they propagate to the backup site. It pre-processes write commands and data blocks, organizing them for efficient journaling and replication. This preliminary capture allows the production site to operate at full speed while the backup site receives pre-organized data streams that can be processed systematically, preventing backlogs and maintaining continuous protection capability.
3Reliability
If conventional tape backup systems are used, then data protection is achieved, but the production site must shut down during backup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter acts as an intermediary that enables backup operations to proceed independently of production operations. By intercepting data transactions at the storage array level and routing them through the journaling and replication process, the splitter allows the production site to continue operating without shutdown while backup functions are performed in parallel on the backup site.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method includes providing a splitter at a first storage array, receiving data from a host, storing the data on the first storage array, using a data protection appliance (DPA) to expose a device, continuously copying data stored on the first storage array to the device using the splitter and replicating the data to a second storage array using the DPA.