Virtual File System for Instant Backup Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in providing instant access to data stored in backup storage systems while ensuring that only authorized users can access their respective files and folders, without exposing the entire backup copy for reading and writing.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes a file-based backup (FBB) metadata file to enable instant access by generating a virtual file system that specifies the files and storage locations accessible to the user, while using temporary storage devices to manage data access and prevent modifications to the original backup data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the entire backup copy is exposed for instant access, then access speed is improved, but security and authorization control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The backup storage system is segmented into multiple storage units, and the virtual file system is segmented to map only specific storage units to specific users. This allows selective exposure of backup data - users can access their authorized portions instantly without exposing the entire backup copy, thus maintaining both security and access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual file system acts as an intermediary layer between users and the backup storage system. The virtual file system uses metadata files to map user requests to specific storage units, providing instant access to authorized data while preventing unauthorized access to the entire backup copy. This intermediary maintains security controls while enabling fast access.
2Reliability
If temporary storage devices are used to manage data access, then data protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of backup data through the virtual file system interface. Instead of physically copying data to temporary storage devices, the virtual file system creates logical copies that map to the original backup data. This provides data protection by preventing direct modification while avoiding the complexity of physical temporary storage device management.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual file system serves as an intermediary that manages data access without requiring complex temporary storage device infrastructure. It uses metadata files to create virtual mappings that protect the original backup data while providing user access, simplifying the system architecture compared to physical temporary storage solutions.
3Reliability
If selective access to specific files and folders is implemented, then security is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating metadata files that contain information about storage units and their contents. When a user requests access, the virtual file system uses these pre-existing metadata files to instantly determine which storage units to access, eliminating the need for real-time scanning or searching. This maintains both security through selective access and speed through pre-computed metadata.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing access to a file based backup (FBB) includes obtaining an instant access request for data associated with two FBBs, wherein the first FBB is stored in a first storage device and the second FBB is stored in a second storage device, accessing a first FBB metadata file associated with the first FBB and a second FBB metadata file to determine file data accessible to the application, performing a storage analysis on the first FBB metadata file and the second FBB metadata file to identify the first storage device and the second storage device, performing a filtering of the file data using a storage device access data structure to obtain filtered data, wherein the storage device access data structure specifies that the application does not have access to the second storage device, and enabling access to a FBB virtual file system by the application.