Storage Data Restoration Using Snapshot Track Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data restoration methods in computing systems require suspension of reads and writes to the source volume, leading to system downtime and are costly, especially when restoring large volumes of data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that restore data from snapshot backups by redirecting read and write operations from the source volume to a target volume, using a snapshot mechanism to maintain data integrity and efficiency, where local and remote tracks are distinguished to manage data access and updates during the restoration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data restoration is performed by suspending reads and writes to the source volume, then data integrity can be maintained, but system downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration process by distinguishing between different track types (local tracks vs. remote tracks) and handling reads/writes differently based on track type. Local tracks are restored from snapshot, while remote tracks continue to serve original data, enabling parallel restoration operations without suspending the entire volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating snapshots of the source volume before restoration begins. These snapshots contain the data at a previous state and are used to restore corrupted or deleted data without requiring suspension of ongoing read/write operations during the restoration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive copies of data are made for restoration, then data can be restored to any previous state, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses snapshots to create point-in-time copies of the source volume data. Instead of maintaining comprehensive continuous copies, the snapshot mechanism captures data at specific moments, reducing storage requirements while preserving restoration capability to any snapshot point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating local copies of only the necessary data blocks that need restoration. The system identifies which tracks require restoration based on corruption detection and creates copies only for those specific blocks rather than the entire volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A data restoration method comprising determining whether a restoration process is in progress, in response to receiving a read request to read contents from a track on a source volume (ST[i]); reading data from ST[i], in response to determining that the restoration process is not in progress; determining whether the read request was originated from a host, in response to determining the restoration process is in progress; reading the data directly from ST[i], in response to determining the read request was not originated from a host; determining whether ST[i] is designated as remote with respect to the restore operation, in response to determining the read request was originated from a host; reading the data directly from ST[i], in response to determining ST[i] is designated as local; and reading the data from a track on a target volume (TT[i]), in response to determining ST[i] is designated as remote.