Virtual Disk Change Tracking via Host-Level File Filter Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing systems, backing up shared storage objects is resource-intensive and complicates administration due to the need for a backup application within each virtual machine, which impacts performance and increases administrative burdens.
Innovation Solution
A file filter driver intercepts write operations from virtual machines, records changes in a separate change record, and performs backup operations without requiring a backup application within each virtual machine, allowing for partial backups of shared storage objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a backup application is installed within each virtual machine to enable partial backups, then backup efficiency is improved, but device complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file filter driver as an intermediary component installed at the host level rather than within each virtual machine. This driver intercepts file system calls and tracks changes to virtual disk files, enabling the backup application to identify and backup only changed portions without requiring installation inside each virtual machine. The file filter driver acts as a mediator between the backup application and the virtual disk files, providing change tracking functionality while avoiding the complexity of multiple backup application instances.
2Measurement precision
If a backup application is installed within each virtual machine to enable partial backups, then backup precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup application and change tracking functionality into a single host-level application with the assistance of a file filter driver. Instead of having separate backup applications running within each virtual machine, the system combines these functions at the host level, where a single backup application coordinates with the file filter driver to achieve precise tracking of changes across all virtual disk files. This consolidation maintains backup precision while dramatically simplifying administration.
3Reliability
If a snapshot is held for the full shared storage object to support a virtual machine backup, then backup reliability is improved, but use of energy and computing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup process to operate at the file level rather than requiring a snapshot of the entire shared storage object. The file filter driver tracks changes specifically to virtual disk files, allowing the backup application to identify and backup only the relevant portions that have changed. This segmentation eliminates the need for full storage object snapshots, significantly reducing computing resource consumption and energy usage while maintaining backup reliability through precise change tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A first write operation is intercepted. The first write operation is a write from a virtual machine to a virtual disk. The first write operation is a change to a first data location. The change to the first data location is recorded. The recording creates a first change record. The first change record is stored separately from the first data location. A first backup operation is performed. The first backup operation, the intercepting, and the recording are performed by an application executing on a host of the virtual machine. The first backup operation includes a read request for the first data location. The read request for the first data location is fulfilled based on the first change record.