Storage Object Restoration Across Drives Using Point-in-Time Copy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems are limited in their ability to restore storage objects, as they can only restore snapshots or LUNs to the same drive, which is undesirable in environments where flexibility to restore to different drives is needed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine if a source and target storage object are within the same storage volume, using a point-in-time copy to restore the source storage object to a different drive, allowing for flexible restoration across various drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional restore operations are used, then storage objects can be restored reliably, but only to the same drive as the source storage object
Solution Approach 1:
The restore operation is designed to work universally across different drive configurations. The system determines whether source and target storage objects are in the same storage volume, and automatically adapts the restore process accordingly - using traditional methods for same-volume restores and point-in-time copy methods for cross-volume restores, enabling the same restore functionality to handle multiple scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If point in time copy is used for restoring storage objects to different drives, then restore flexibility is improved, but storage volume constraints must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary determination check before executing the restore operation to identify whether the source and target storage objects reside in the same storage volume. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the appropriate restore methodology in advance, ensuring that point-in-time copy operations are only initiated when cross-volume restoration is required, thus managing storage volume constraints proactively
3Adaptability or versatility
If restore operations are limited to same-drive restoration, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to mobile drive environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The restore operation transitions from a static, fixed approach (same-drive only) to a dynamic, adaptive approach. The system automatically adjusts its behavior based on the relationship between source and target storage objects - using simple same-drive restoration when applicable and sophisticated point-in-time copy operations when cross-drive restoration is needed, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving cloud environment adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for restoring storage objects are provided. The method includes determining if a source storage object and a target storage object are located within a same storage volume, where the source storage object is associated with a first drive and the target storage object is associated with a second drive; and using a point in time copy of the source storage object for restoring the source storage object at the second drive.