Storage Pool Based Data Replication Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems require laborious manual efforts from administrators to replicate data across multiple physical storage devices, as they need to specify each target device for replication, which becomes cumbersome when dealing with a large number of devices.
Innovation Solution
The system allows users to specify a target storage pool instead of individual devices, enabling automatic allocation and replication of data within that pool, reducing manual work and streamlining the replication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If administrators manually specify each target storage device for replication, then precise control over replication targets is achieved, but the administrative workload and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces storage pools as an intermediary layer between physical storage devices and replication operations. Instead of directly managing individual device mappings, administrators work with pool-based abstractions that automatically handle the complex device allocation and mapping tasks, significantly reducing administrative burden while maintaining precise control
Solution Approach 2:
Storage pools serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as containers for physical devices, provide automated allocation mechanisms for replication targets, and manage LUN mapping and masking operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual configuration steps into a single unified interface
2Reliability
If administrators specify mapping and masking designations for each replication operation, then data security and access control are maintained, but the time and effort required for replication setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of mapping and masking designations at the storage pool level before replication operations begin. By pre-establishing security policies and access controls in the pool configuration, the system automatically applies these settings to all replication operations within that pool, ensuring data security is maintained without requiring repeated manual configuration for each replication task
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports replication to multiple target devices, then replication flexibility and options are improved, but the complexity of target device designation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of physical storage devices into smaller, manageable storage pools. This segmentation allows administrators to work with organized groups of devices rather than individual devices, making it easier to specify replication targets while still supporting flexible multi-device replication scenarios through pool-based selection
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for improved replication of storage arrays in data storage systems. For example, a method comprises the following steps. A first set of physical storage devices in a data storage system are identified for replication. Specification is received from a user of at least one storage pool in the data storage system in accordance with which the first set of physical storage devices is to be replicated. A second set of physical storage devices is allocated from the user-specified storage pool. Data stored on the first set of physical storage devices is replicated onto the second set of physical storage devices.