Storage Control Differential Backup Metadata Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In differential backups, the high load of referencing metadata for all files in a storage area increases backup time and affects parallel processes, as existing methods require checking metadata for all files to identify updated files.
Innovation Solution
A storage control device creates snapshots using a copy-on-write method, managing data block updates with a bit map and copying only updated files to a backup area, reducing the load by referencing only updated metadata areas for differential backups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all files in the storage area are backed up each time, then complete backup coverage is achieved, but the storage capacity of the backup destination becomes huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed data blocks between snapshots for backup, rather than backing up all files. By comparing metadata to identify which data blocks have changed since the previous snapshot, the system backs up only the necessary portions, significantly reducing backup storage requirements while maintaining complete backup coverage.
2Measurement precision
If metadata for all files is referenced to identify updated files, then accurate identification of updated files is achieved, but the processing load and backup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metadata reference process by only examining metadata for data blocks that have changed, rather than referencing metadata for all files. The system divides the backup process into identifying changed blocks through metadata comparison, then processing only those specific blocks, thereby maintaining accurate identification while dramatically reducing processing load and backup time.
3Measurement precision
If differential backup is performed by comparing all file management information, then updated files are accurately identified, but the backup process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining snapshots of previous backup states and pre-computing metadata comparisons. Before the actual backup process, the system identifies changed data blocks by comparing current metadata with snapshot metadata, so that only the necessary data blocks are processed during the backup operation, reducing overall backup time while maintaining accurate identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage control device includes a processor configured to create a first snapshot corresponding to a storage area by a copy-on-write method and management information used for managing a location of a data block updated after the creation, and copy all files included in the first snapshot to a first backup area. The processor is configured to create a second snapshot and identify, on basis of the management information, a second area in a first area of the second snapshot. The first area stores therein first metadata on all of second files included in the second snapshot. The second area is updated after the creation. The processor is configured to identify updated files updated after the creation among the second files, on basis of second metadata among the first metadata. The second metadata is included in the second area and copy the updated files to a second backup area.