Virtual File System for Multi-Version Backup Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup systems lack the ability to effectively write and manage multiple versions of files on backup media, limiting their functionality in data protection and restoration processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that utilizes a virtual file system interface to enable writing and managing multiple versions of backup data objects, with a catalog storing metadata describing these versions and allowing modifications to be made by referencing data segments, thereby facilitating the creation and storage of multiple file versions on backup media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional backup interfaces (NFS/CIFS) are used to provide file access, then file reading capability is enabled, but the ability to write, modify, or create multiple versions of files in backup is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual file system interface as an intermediary layer between the backup storage system and users. This virtual interface translates standard file operations into backup-specific operations, enabling write and multi-versioning capabilities while maintaining compatibility with conventional file access protocols. The virtual file system acts as a mediator that preserves reading capability while adding enhanced functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If single-instance storage techniques are used to minimize storage size, then storage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple versions of files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments files into data blocks and uses hashing to identify duplicate blocks across different versions. By dividing files into manageable segments and tracking them individually, the system can efficiently manage multiple versions while minimizing storage. Each version is represented by pointers to shared data blocks, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining version management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying techniques where multiple versions of files share common data blocks through pointers rather than storing complete duplicates. When a file is modified, only the changed blocks are copied and stored, while unchanged blocks reference the original version. This approach minimizes storage size while enabling efficient version management through selective copying.
3Speed
If a catalog storing metadata for each backup file is implemented, then file retrieval efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the backup system architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a catalog that pre-stores metadata information including file names, data block hashes, and version information during the backup process. This preliminary organization of data allows for rapid retrieval operations without requiring complex real-time analysis. The catalog is built incrementally as backups occur, preparing the data structure in advance for efficient querying and retrieval.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of a computer system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system includes hosts coupled to a backup medium. The backup medium stores data segments and objects, each object referencing one or more segments. A second host conveys a write request to a first host identifying a data entity comprising segments referenced by a first object. The first host restores a copy of the data entity and creates a second object referencing the segments that were referenced by the first object in response to receiving the write request. The first host adds segment references to the second object in response to receiving a change that adds data to the copy or deletes a portion of a segment from the copy. The first host removes a segment reference from the second object if a change deletes all of a segment from the copy.