Storage Controller Copy Session Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data backup methods using One Point Copy (OPC) face challenges in creating snapshots of multiple volumes with integrity, as I/O processing requests can interfere with the timing of snapshot creation, potentially delaying operations and affecting storage device performance.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a copy-source volume, copy-destination volume, copy processor, copying manager, activation manager, and copy controller that manages copy sessions to ensure timely activation and backup of data, using a CCC command to activate multiple copy sessions simultaneously and maintain data integrity by temporarily halting I/O processes if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage system waits for all I/O processing requests to complete before creating Snapshots of multiple volumes, then data backup integrity is improved, but I/O processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system performs preliminary actions by setting up copy sessions and preparing Snapshot creation in advance. The system receives I/O processing requests and schedules Snapshot creation beforehand, then executes the actual copying operation at the predetermined timing. This allows the system to maintain data backup integrity while avoiding delays to I/O operations, as the Snapshot creation was already planned and prepared in advance without blocking I/O processing.
2Productivity
If the storage system creates Snapshots of multiple volumes simultaneously, then backup efficiency is improved, but timing synchronization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system segments the Snapshot creation process into multiple independent copy sessions, each handling a specific volume. By dividing the overall backup task into separate sessions that can be managed independently, the system achieves timing synchronization for each volume while maintaining high backup efficiency. Each copy session operates autonomously with its own timing control, allowing simultaneous execution without compromising synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system dynamically manages multiple copy sessions with flexible timing control. Each copy session can be activated and executed at optimally determined timings based on system conditions and data requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain precise timing synchronization for each Snapshot while achieving high overall backup efficiency through parallel processing of multiple volumes.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device including a copy processor that carries out a copying process of storing the copy of the data stored in the copy-source volume into the copy-destination volume; a copying manager that prepares copying related to the copying process and sets the copying process to a stand-by state; an activation manager that sets activation target data representing a target to be activated for the copying process in response to an activation instruction from a superior device; and a copy controller that cancels the stand-by state of the copying process, being set the activation target data for, and causes the copy processor to carry out the copying process. This configuration makes it possible to back up data of multiple copy sessions, ensuring integrity in timing of data to be backed up without lowering the capability of an I/O process.