Transitive File Copying via Checksum Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file copying mechanisms fail to efficiently identify and utilize redundant file copies across different locations, leading to increased network traffic and slower data transfer due to repeated copying of identical files, which is labor-intensive and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a transitive file copy method that uses checksums to determine if a file exists locally and copies it from an optimal location based on bandwidth and proximity, reducing network bandwidth and time requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If files are copied from the requested location using prior art mechanisms, then the file transfer operation is simple and direct, but network bandwidth is wasted and transfer time increases due to copying identical files repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining an index of file checksums and locations before transfer operations. When a copy request is received, the system first queries this index to determine if identical files already exist at the destination or intermediate locations, avoiding redundant network transfers of duplicate files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indexing mechanism that mediates between file copy requests and actual transfer operations. This index acts as a smart router, directing copy operations to utilize existing local copies rather than forcing repeated network transfers, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining transfer functionality.
2Loss of energy
If manual selective copying is performed by users to avoid redundant transfers, then network bandwidth is reduced, but labor intensity increases and error rates rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing the file identification and selection function that would otherwise require manual user intervention. The indexing mechanism and automated copy logic enable the system to independently determine optimal copy sources without requiring users to manually identify which files are duplicates, eliminating labor-intensive operations while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from file checksum comparisons to automatically adjust copy operations. By continuously monitoring file identities through checksum verification, the system receives feedback about which files are identical and which differ, enabling automated selective copying without user involvement and preventing both redundant transfers and manual errors.
3Reliability
If all files are copied to multiple locations as prior art does, then file availability is ensured, but network traffic increases and transfer time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making file copy operations adaptive to local conditions at each destination. Instead of uniformly copying all files to all locations, the system queries local file indexes at each destination and selectively copies only the files that are actually needed and not already present, thereby maintaining file availability where required while minimizing redundant transfers and transfer time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary queries of local file indexes before executing copy operations to each location. This preliminary action identifies which files already exist at each destination, allowing the system to skip redundant transfers and focus only on files that need to be copied, thus preserving file availability while reducing overall transfer time.
4Productivity
If redundant file copies are not utilized, then copy operations are straightforward, but network overburdening occurs and transfer speeds decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indexing layer that manages the complexity of tracking file copies across the network. This index serves as a centralized knowledge base that simplifies copy decisions by providing pre-computed information about file locations and identities, allowing the copy mechanism to operate efficiently without directly managing the complexity of tracking all redundant copies across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary indexing and file identification work before copy operations begin. By pre-establishing knowledge of file locations and identities through checksum indexing, the system reduces the complexity of real-time copy decisions during actual transfer operations, enabling faster transfers without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide an alternative mechanism for copying files. A request to copy a first file from a first source location to a first target location is received. A first checksum value of the first file is determined and used in a query to find a second source location for a second file. The second file has a second checksum value that is equivalent to the first checksum value. Additionally, the second file is located at the second source location. A determination is made regarding whether to copy the first file from the first source location or the second file from the second source location. Thereafter, the first source file or the second source file is copied to the first target location based on the determining.