Virtual Copying Relationship for Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data mirroring techniques in multiple remote site environments are time-consuming due to the need for full-volume synchronization and require a learning period for the current primary site to acquire remote site information, which can be inefficient and prolonged.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a virtual copying relationship at the current primary site, followed by a real copying relationship with remote sites based on received remote site information, and maintaining data structures to track changes and manage data transfers efficiently, allowing for immediate recovery and synchronization without full-volume replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full-volume synchronization is performed to establish a real copying relationship, then data integrity is ensured, but synchronization time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a virtual copying relationship before the real copying relationship. During this virtual phase, the current primary site proactively collects and stores remote site information (addresses, identifiers, communication configurations) in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming information exchange during the actual synchronization phase, thereby reducing synchronization time while maintaining data integrity through subsequent full-volume data copying.
Solution Approach 2:
The copying relationship establishment process is segmented into two distinct phases: a virtual copying relationship phase for information collection and preparation, and a real copying relationship phase for actual data synchronization. This segmentation allows the system to separate information gathering (done preliminarily) from data transfer (done efficiently), reducing the overall synchronization time while ensuring data integrity in the real copying phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If the current primary site waits to acquire all remote site information before synchronization, then accurate copying is ensured, but the learning period prolongs the recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The current primary site performs preliminary action by proactively collecting remote site information (addresses, identifiers, communication configurations) during the virtual copying relationship phase, before the actual synchronization begins. This advance information gathering eliminates the learning period delay, as all necessary remote site details are already available when the real copying relationship is established, ensuring both copying accuracy and reduced recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual copying relationship acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the collection and storage of remote site information. This intermediate phase allows the current primary site to gather necessary copying details without immediately initiating the full synchronization process, thereby reducing the learning period while ensuring accurate information is available for precise data copying when the real relationship is established.
3Speed
If a virtual copying relationship is established immediately upon primary site failure, then recovery speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system improves recovery speed by establishing a virtual copying relationship immediately upon primary site failure. In this virtual phase, the current primary site proactively collects remote site information and prepares for synchronization without waiting for the full real copying relationship to be established. This preliminary action enables faster recovery initiation, while the added complexity of managing virtual relationships is temporary and resolved once the real copying relationship is in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for copying data are provided. The method includes: establishing a virtual copying relationship at a current primary site; and establishing a real copying relationship with a first remote site in response to a reception of a first remote site information by the current primary site information while maintaining the virtual copying relationship.