Virtual Targets for Server-Free Data Transfer Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage networks, especially SAN systems, server-free data transfers are challenging when entities responsible for source and destination targets do not have complete knowledge of each other, making it difficult to create copy orders and provide data transformations like compression and encryption.
Innovation Solution
The use of virtual targets and abstract copy orders allows for separate preparation of source and destination copy orders, which can be converted into concrete copy orders for execution, enabling data transformations without knowledge of both targets' characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate entities prepare source and destination copy orders independently, then system modularity and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to create complete copy orders deteriorates due to lack of mutual knowledge between entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual target as an intermediary entity between the source entity and destination entity. The source entity creates copy orders specifying the virtual target without needing to know the actual destination device details. The destination entity then retrieves these copy orders and replaces the virtual target identifier with the actual destination device identifier, completing the copy order. This intermediary mechanism allows independent preparation of copy orders while maintaining the ability to create complete transfer specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual targets are introduced to enable independent copy order preparation, then ease of operation and modularity are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional abstraction layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual target as a copy or placeholder representation of the actual destination device. Instead of requiring direct knowledge of the complex destination device, the system creates a simplified copy (the virtual target identifier) that can be referenced in copy orders. This copying mechanism allows entities to operate independently while the destination entity later resolves the virtual target to the actual device, managing complexity through abstraction rather than direct interaction.
3Ease of operation
If data transformations are provided without knowledge of both targets, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but manufacturing precision of data transfer operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables data transformation specifications to be included in the initial copy order created by the source entity, before the actual destination device is known. The virtual target serves as a placeholder that allows the source entity to pre-specify transformations such as compression, encryption, or formatting. The destination entity later retrieves these pre-specified transformations and applies them when the actual destination is identified, allowing preliminary preparation of transformation parameters without sacrificing final execution accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for utilizing virtual targets and abstract copy orders in preparing and servicing requests for server-free data transfer operations in a data storage network. The abstract copy orders represent data transfers between virtual targets and real devices. They allow source target copy orders to be prepared separately from destination target copy orders. The abstract copy orders may then be converted into concrete copy orders involving only real device targets for execution by a data mover that implements the server-free data transfer operations.