Virtual Logical Storage Transfer Without Storage-Level Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving virtual logical storage units (vVols) between different virtualization environments in networked storage systems typically requires significant time due to the need for storage-level data copying or migration, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detach and attach virtual logical storage units between data center management servers using a storage interface appliance, allowing vVols to be moved without storage-level modifications, leveraging storage containers and flexible volumes to facilitate almost instantaneous transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage-level data copying is used to move vVols between virtualization environments, then data transfer can be completed, but transfer time becomes significant and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a reference copy of the vVol metadata and configuration information rather than copying the actual storage data. The vVol is detached from the source virtual machine and reattached to the destination virtual machine, with only the lightweight metadata being transferred and updated, thereby avoiding time-consuming data copying while maintaining complete functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential vVol identification and configuration information from the storage system, separating it from the actual data storage layer. By extracting only the necessary metadata (vVol ID, path information, configuration parameters) and not the bulk data, the system achieves rapid transfer of virtualization environment references without transferring substantial data volumes.
2Ease of operation
If storage-level modifications are performed to move vVols, then data can be transferred, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing complex storage-level modifications to migrate data, the system creates a reference copy of the vVol's metadata and configuration. The vVol remains on the original storage device, but the reference is copied to the destination virtual machine, simplifying the operation to a lightweight metadata transfer rather than complex data migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage interface appliance as an intermediary layer between the virtualization environments and the storage system. This intermediary manages the vVol attachments and detachments, abstracting the complexity from the user and enabling simple detachment from source and attachment to destination without requiring direct storage-level modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system uses a first storage container for a first data center management server and a second storage container for a second data center management server that are associated with at least one common flexible logical storage unit in a storage system through a storage interface appliance to move a virtual logical storage unit from the first data center management server to the second data center management server. In order to move the virtual logical storage unit, the virtual logical storage unit is detached from a first virtual computing instance of the first data center management server and then attached to a second virtual computing instance of the second data center management server without any storage level modifications in the storage system.