Virtual LUN Deduplication Snapshot Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges in maintaining continuous data protection by keeping pace with high data transaction rates at production sites, leading to potential system shutdowns due to backlog of un-logged transactions and limitations in data recovery points in time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to create a virtual LUN from data on a de-duplication device and using a DPA to expose it, which allows for optimized data replication by pushing snapshots from the production site to the de-duplication system at selected times, tracking changes, and ensuring efficient data transfer between sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If journaling is used to provide continuous data protection, then data recovery capability is improved, but system overhead increases and backup site may not keep pace with production site transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual LUN that is a copy of the production storage LUN, allowing the backup site to access replicated data without directly impacting production transactions. This copying approach enables continuous data protection while maintaining production throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual LUN acts as an intermediary layer between the production storage system and the backup system. It receives data from the production LUN through replication, allowing the backup site to catch up without forcing production to slow down, thus resolving the throughput conflict.
2Reliability
If data replication operates at high speed to keep pace with production transactions, then continuous protection is improved, but backup site may choke and force production shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts replication behavior by creating a virtual LUN that can handle variable data transaction rates. The virtual LUN absorbs data at the production site's pace and makes it available to the backup site without causing the backup site to choke, maintaining system stability while enabling continuous protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual LUN as a dynamic copy of the production LUN, the system allows the backup site to access data at any pace without affecting production operations. This copying mechanism prevents the backup site from becoming a bottleneck that would force production shutdown.
3Reliability
If conventional backup systems operate, then data protection is provided, but recovery time is long and data availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously replicating data to the virtual LUN before disasters occur. This pre-positioned data allows for rapid recovery without the need for lengthy backup and restore operations, significantly reducing recovery time and improving data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual LUN provides a ready-to-use copy of production data that can be quickly activated during disaster recovery. This copying approach eliminates the need for time-consuming restoration from tape backups or incremental updates, enabling fast recovery and minimizing data loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and program product for creating a virtual LUN from data on a de-duplication device and exposing, via a DPA, the virtual LUN.