Virtual Copies for Failover Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disaster recovery systems face performance issues in reestablishing mirroring between geographically dispersed sites after a failure, as the process of synchronizing data can be time-consuming and complex, often requiring multiple configurations that increase the risk of errors during recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using virtual copies to manage data synchronization by copying only updates made during failover and failback operations, establishing point-in-time copy relationships between storage units, and issuing specific commands for failover and failback to ensure efficient data transfer and minimize data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all data is copied to reestablish mirroring after a site failure, then data synchronization is achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming (weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed data blocks from the complete data set. By identifying and transferring only the modified blocks rather than copying all data, the system achieves synchronization while dramatically reducing transfer time from weeks to a manageable duration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete data copy, the patent applies partial action by copying only the necessary changed portions. This partial copying approach maintains synchronization reliability while avoiding the excessive time cost of full data replication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual copies are created for testing purposes, then production testing can be performed, but system complexity increases with multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of storage volumes that can be used for testing and production operations. These virtual copies provide the necessary adaptability for running production workloads while maintaining a simplified configuration model through automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual copy mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables testing, supports production operations, and maintains synchronization capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated testing systems, thereby reducing overall configuration complexity despite the added versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations are maintained for practice and recovery, then testing and recovery operations can be performed, but the probability of introducing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the virtual copies and their configurations through automated failover and failback processes. This self-service approach reduces human intervention and manual configuration management, thereby lowering the probability of introducing errors while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms that monitor system state and trigger appropriate failover or failback operations. This feedback-driven automation ensures consistent configuration management and reduces manual errors while preserving the ability to perform both testing and recovery operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for using virtual copies in a failover and failback environment,updates are copied from a primary first storage at the primary site to a secondary first storage at the secondarysite during system operations. A second storage is maintained at at least one of the primary and secondary sites. A failover is performed from the primary site to the secondarysite after a failure at the primary site. The at least one second storage is used after recoveryofthe primarysite to synchronize the secondarysite to the primarysite. Only updates made to the secondary site during the failover are copied to or from the at least one second storage in response to the recovery at the primary site.