Virtual Data Protection via Snapshot-Based Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data protection systems face challenges in replicating data from physical systems to virtual systems, as physical devices like LUNs are not prevalent in cloud offerings, and IOs do not pass through virtual systems, making it difficult to leverage virtual systems' benefits in physical environments.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using snapshot-based replication methods, where snapshots of data are taken to identify changed blocks, which are then replicated to a virtual replication system, allowing data to be converted for compatibility with virtual systems and facilitating replication between physical and virtual environments, including cloud storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical volumes are exposed to a virtual system configured to replicate the physical volumes, then data replication capability is improved, but the system fails because IOs to the physical system do not pass through the virtual system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer that acts as an intermediary between physical storage systems and virtual replication systems. This layer includes virtual storage resources that can be presented to virtual machines, enabling IO operations to be redirected through the virtual system without disrupting the underlying physical storage operations. The intermediary layer translates and routes IO requests appropriately, allowing replication functionality to work within virtualized environments.
2Reliability
If physical devices like LUNs are used in traditional data protection systems, then data protection functionality is achieved, but the systems cannot leverage virtual systems' benefits in cloud offerings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data protection framework that functions across both physical and virtualized environments. The system presents storage resources in a standardized virtualized format that can be consumed by both traditional physical systems and modern virtual/cloud systems. This multi-functional approach allows the same data protection infrastructure to serve diverse deployment scenarios including on-premises physical systems, virtualized data centers, and cloud environments.
3Reliability
If traditional physical replication systems are used, then data protection is provided, but the complexity of managing both physical and virtual replication systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical and virtual replication capabilities into a unified system architecture. Rather than maintaining separate management paradigms for physical and virtual replication, the system combines these functions into a single virtualized storage platform that handles both types of replication through consistent interfaces and management procedures. This consolidation simplifies operations while maintaining comprehensive data protection across hybrid environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for replicating data from storage. Snapshots are taken of the volumes in physical storage. The snapshot volumes are exposed to a virtual replication system. Using the snapshots, differential or changed data can be identified. The identified data is then replicated by the virtual replication system to a remove virtual replication system.