Storage System Data Migration via Mapping References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data migration techniques in storage systems often require physical copying of data, consume host and storage resources, and involve complex operations, which can disrupt business operations and increase resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize source and destination mapping data structures to perform atomic operations for moving data between logical volumes, allowing for virtual migration without physical copying, by configuring mapping trees and reference counters to manage address mappings and resource availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical copying of data is performed during migration, then data can be transferred between logical volumes, but host and storage resources are consumed and business operations are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copy-on-write technology to create a virtual copy of the data migration process. Instead of physically copying data blocks, the system creates a mapping relationship between source and destination logical volumes, where the destination volume contains a copy descriptor that references the source volume's data, achieving data transfer without actual data copying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage system as an intermediary between the host and physical storage devices. The storage system's control layer manages the migration by establishing mapping relationships and handling data redirection, allowing migration to occur transparently without host involvement and without disrupting business operations
2Reliability
If physical data copying is performed, then data migration can be completed, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtual copying through mapping relationships. The destination volume contains a copy descriptor that references the source volume's data blocks, eliminating the need for actual data copying while maintaining data integrity and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system automatically manages the migration process through its control layer, which handles mapping relationship establishment and data redirection without requiring host resources. The system serves itself by managing its own data migration internally
3Reliability
If complex migration operations are performed, then data can be migrated between volumes, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies migration by using copy descriptors that reference existing data blocks. Instead of complex physical copying operations, the system creates lightweight mapping relationships that automatically manage data migration through the storage system's internal mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a storage system and a method of moving a source data portion from a source logical volume to a destination logical volume. The method comprises: configuring a source mapping data structure to comprise an entry indicative of mapping between logical addresses corresponding to source data portion and addresses corresponding to source data portion and related to a physical address space; and, responsive to a move command, providing an atomic operation comprising configuring a destination mapping data structure to comprise an entry associated with said at least one destination range and comprising a reference to said entry in the source mapping data structure; and configuring said at least one entry in the source mapping data structure DSsrc to bear an indication that said one or more contiguous ranges of addresses corresponding to said source data portion in the source logical volume Vsrc are unavailable to a client.