Storage Volume Addition in Active-Active Synchronous Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data replication methods face difficulties in efficiently adding storage volumes to active-active configurations during ongoing synchronous replication, requiring complex orchestration and lacking automatic failure recovery functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows storage volumes to be added to a consistency group without terminating the replication session, using a second synchronous replication session that is fully independent of the first, enabling IO access and automatic failure recovery, thereby simplifying the process and ensuring data consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage volumes are added to a consistency group during ongoing synchronous replication in active-active configuration, then storage flexibility and adaptability are improved, but data consistency and replication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the replication process by creating a separate second replication session for the added storage volume, independent from the first replication session. This allows the added volume to be replicated without affecting the existing replication sessions, thereby maintaining data consistency while enabling storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating the second replication session before merging it with the first session. This preliminary setup ensures that the added storage volume is properly integrated into the replication framework with appropriate consistency group configurations, preventing data inconsistency issues.
2Ease of operation
If a second independent synchronous replication session is created for added storage volume, then automatic failure recovery and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second replication session with the first replication session after the added storage volume is successfully integrated. This merging consolidates the replication management into a unified session, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the benefits of the independent second session for automatic failure recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the creation, operation, and merging of replication sessions without requiring manual orchestration. The replication controller autonomously handles the complexity of session management, providing self-service functionality that simplifies operations while enabling automatic failure recovery.
3Productivity
If storage volume addition does not terminate replication session, then productivity and speed are improved, but manufacturing precision and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic replication session management where the system can create additional replication sessions on-demand and merge them when appropriate. This dynamic approach allows continuous productivity improvement by avoiding session termination while maintaining precise control through automated merging logic that ensures replication integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in one embodiment comprises at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The at least one processing device is configured to identify a storage volume to be added to a first consistency group of a first synchronous replication session between a first storage system and a second storage system in an active-active configuration, to create a second synchronous replication session for the added storage volume between the first storage system and the second storage system, and to merge the first and second synchronous replication sessions responsive to one or more designated criteria. The second synchronous replication session is illustratively configured to be fully independent of the first synchronous replication session. Merging the first and second synchronous replication sessions responsive to one or more designated criteria illustratively comprises merging the first and second synchronous replication sessions responsive to the second synchronous replication session reaching a specified steady state.