Unified Volume Replication Architecture Using VLT and VBUT Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volume copying and volume mirroring operations are complex and inefficient due to the need for separate architectures and multiple tracking tables, which complicates data replication and synchronization between source and destination volumes.
Innovation Solution
A unified architecture using a volume log table (VLT) and volume block update table (VBUT) is implemented, allowing for both volume copying and volume mirroring operations by managing synchronization through a single set of tables, reducing administrative complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate architectures are used for volume copying and volume mirroring, then each operation can be implemented with dedicated tracking tables, but the overall system complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges volume copying and volume mirroring into a unified architecture that uses a single tracking table structure. Instead of maintaining separate tracking tables for each operation type, the system uses one tracking table that handles both volume copying and volume mirroring operations, thereby reducing architectural complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of dedicated operation handling
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking table structure is designed to be universal, serving multiple functions: it tracks both volume copying operations and volume mirroring operations, handles both source and destination volume references, and manages synchronization state for both operation types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated tables for each operation
2Ease of operation
If multiple tracking tables are maintained for source and destination volumes, then operation-specific tracking is possible, but the number of tables to administer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking table functions into a single tracking table structure. This single table maintains entries for both source and destination volumes, tracks operation-specific information for both copying and mirroring, and manages synchronization state across both operation types, thereby reducing the number of tables to administer while preserving operation-specific tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking table is designed as a universal structure that can track any volume operation regardless of whether it is a copy or mirror operation. The table uses standardized entry formats and tracking mechanisms that work uniformly for both operation types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tables for each operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate architectures are used, then volume copying and mirroring can be implemented independently, but data replication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handling of volume copying and volume mirroring into a unified data replication process. By using a single tracking table and unified synchronization mechanism, the system can process both operation types more efficiently, reducing redundant tracking operations and improving overall data replication throughput while maintaining the ability to handle both copy and mirror operations
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for performing volume replication using a unified architecture are provided. Each volume has an exclusive volume log table (VLT) and an exclusive volume block update table (VBUT). The VLT is mainly used for recording the relationship between two volumes of a mirroring pair, and the VBUT is used for tracking the state of each data block of the volume itself. By means of the cross operations and applications between the VLT and the VBUT, various volume replication processes such as volume copying and volume mirroring can be enabled under a unified architecture. For each volume, different replication relationships with other volumes can be handled merely by administering its two exclusive tables. The method and the apparatus provided by the present invention can simplify the architecture for synchronization replication and reduce the burdens of administrating tables, thereby making the operation of a storage system more efficient.