Virtual LUN Portal for Selective Data Object Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data replication methods in storage systems often require replicating entire logical units (LUNs) rather than specific server-defined data objects, leading to inefficiencies in performance, network bandwidth usage, and licensing costs, especially in heterogeneous environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual LUN portal mechanism allows for server-defined data object replication without modifying existing data, enabling finer granularity and reducing the need for server CPU and I/O resource consumption by creating alternate paths for replication features like mirroring and snapshots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire logical units (LUNs) are replicated, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but network bandwidth usage and performance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LUN into server-defined data objects (files, directories, or other logical units) and replicates only the selected data objects rather than the entire LUN. This segmentation allows selective replication of only the necessary data portions, reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining data redundancy for critical files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different replication qualities to different data objects within the LUN based on their importance. Critical data objects receive full replication for maximum reliability, while less critical objects may use incremental or on-demand replication, optimizing the balance between reliability and network resource usage.
2Reliability
If entire logical units (LUNs) are replicated, then data redundancy is improved, but licensing costs and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting replication at the data object level rather than LUN level, the system reduces the number of replication operations required. This segmentation enables more efficient use of licensing resources and reduces the complexity of managing full LUN replication across multiple systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial replication by selecting only specific data objects for replication rather than replicating entire LUNs. This partial action approach reduces the overhead and licensing requirements associated with comprehensive replication while maintaining adequate redundancy for critical data.
3Productivity
If server-defined data object replication is implemented, then replication granularity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portal mechanism as an intermediary layer between the storage system and the replication function. This portal provides a simplified interface for selecting and managing replication of server-defined data objects, abstracting the complexity of fine-grained replication control while maintaining high replication efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If conventional replication methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization and performance efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The portal mechanism serves as an intermediary that maintains ease of operation by providing a unified interface for replication management, while simultaneously enabling efficient resource utilization through selective data object replication. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of fine-grained replication control.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal mechanism provides universal access to replication functions across different server-defined data objects and storage systems. This multi-functional approach allows a single interface to handle various replication scenarios (full replication, incremental replication, selective replication) thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Access to data storage is enhanced. A logical volume defines a set of block based data storage resources and is presented as a first volume. A virtual LUN portal mechanism serves as an alias for the first volume and is presented as a second volume. A block based data manipulation mechanism is configured to apply to a first I/O request directed to the second volume and not to a second I/O request directed to the first volume.