Storage System Data Migration via Virtual External Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
When migrating data from one storage software format to another, issues arise if the free space in the destination location is insufficient, causing data to be unavailable until migration is complete, and users face delays in accessing their data during the migration process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows data migration by creating virtual external devices and logical paths, enabling data to be accessed continuously during the migration process, and dynamically managing storage volumes to optimize free space usage across multiple storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is migrated from the first storage format to the second storage format, then the data can be stored in the newly installed storage software format, but the data becomes unavailable during the migration process
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a mapping relationship between the first storage format and second storage format before actual data migration begins. This preliminary mapping setup allows the system to redirect access requests to the new format location in advance, so when migration completes, data is already accessible without interruption to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mapping mechanism as an intermediary layer between the storage software and the actual data locations. This mapping table stores correspondence relationships between first format data and second format data, enabling seamless redirection of access requests during and after migration without requiring users to wait for the migration process.
2Reliability
If data is copied to the second location in the second storage format, then the data can be stored in the new format, but the operation fails when free space at the first location is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-location storage model to a multi-dimensional storage model by introducing separate first and second locations for different storage formats. The mapping mechanism enables the system to manage data across these different dimensions independently, allowing migration to proceed based on the availability of space in the second location rather than being constrained by the first location's free space.
3Ease of operation
If users wait for data migration to complete before accessing data, then data integrity is maintained, but user access is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping mechanism enables continuous user access to data throughout the migration process. By maintaining the mapping relationship between old and new data locations, users can access data via the mapping table regardless of whether migration is in progress or complete, eliminating any interruption or delay in access continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system may include a computing device in communication with at least one storage device. Initially, the computing device may execute a first type of storage software which stores a first volume in a first storage format on the storage device. The computing device may thereafter execute a second type of storage software which configures a second volume in a second storage format on the storage device. Subsequently, the data of the first volume is migrated to the second volume where the data is stored in the second storage format. In some cases, the second storage software may further define a virtual external device on the storage device and define a logical path from the virtual external device to the first volume. The logical path may be used to migrate the data from the first volume to the second volume.