Intelligent Storage Replication via Selective Block Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information storage replication methods are resource-intensive and inefficient, particularly in identifying and copying changes within storage volumes, leading to significant delays and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intelligent synchronization and verification process that selectively replicates only the portions of a storage image that have been altered, using a thinly provisioned secondary storage resource and minimizing the verification of non-relevant data, by quiescing the system, taking snapshots, and comparing checksums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete storage image copying is performed, then replication accuracy is ensured, but resource consumption and replication time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and replicates only the changed portions of storage images rather than copying complete images. The system identifies and extracts modified data blocks, metadata, and configuration changes, then replicates only these extracted portions to the secondary storage system, significantly reducing replication time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage image is segmented into smaller units (data blocks, metadata elements, configuration sections) that can be independently identified and replicated. The system divides the storage image into manageable segments, tracks changes at the segment level, and replicates only the modified segments rather than the entire image.
2Reliability
If complete storage image copying is performed, then replication accuracy is ensured, but storage and processing resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential changed elements (modified data blocks, updated metadata, altered configuration) from the storage image for replication. By extracting only what has changed rather than copying everything, processing resources are significantly reduced while replication accuracy is maintained for all relevant data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing replication operations only on the portions of storage images that have changed. Instead of executing complete copy operations on entire storage images, the system performs partial replication operations limited to modified blocks and metadata, reducing processing resource consumption while ensuring accurate replication of all necessary data.
3Measurement precision
If differential analysis of each block is performed, then changed data identification is achieved, but storage and communication resources are consumed significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage image is segmented into data blocks with associated metadata that tracks modification status. The system segments the storage structure into manageable units (blocks, metadata records, configuration sections) that can be efficiently analyzed for changes without requiring examination of every single byte, reducing storage resource consumption while maintaining precise change detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for information storage replication are presented. In one embodiment a replication method includes performing an intelligent synchronization process of selected portions of a primary image and intelligent verification of the accuracy of the replication. The intelligent synchronization process can include forwarding information if the information is in use (e.g., has been altered, written to, etc.) and the intelligent verification can be performed on the information in use.