Virtual Volume Replication Across Datacenters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data protection systems face challenges in maintaining continuous data protection, particularly in keeping pace with high data transaction rates at production sites without causing downtime or backlog, as they struggle to dynamically adapt to changing transaction rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for replicating virtual volumes across multiple datacenters, enabling seamless data mobility and access, and providing federated storage solutions that automate provisioning, configuration, and failover, ensuring high availability and reduced storage array contention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data replication is implemented to maintain continuous data protection, then data availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage arrays into a federated storage system where data can be replicated across arrays. The virtualization layer merges the management of multiple arrays into a unified system, allowing data protection without proportionally increasing operational complexity. Volume replication is achieved by combining source and target volumes into a single replicated volume object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical storage arrays and the data access paths. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of data replication and distribution, managing the replication process between arrays while presenting a simplified interface to users and applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual storage provisioning is used, then configuration precision is improved, but provisioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated storage provisioning that performs preliminary configuration actions based on predefined policies and templates. Storage volumes, replication relationships, and array configurations are automatically created and configured before data access is required, eliminating manual setup time while maintaining proper configuration through policy-based rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service automated provisioning where the storage infrastructure automatically configures itself based on service requests. The virtualization layer and automation software handle volume creation, array configuration, and replication setup without requiring manual administrator intervention, reducing provisioning time while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, a system, and a computer program product for replicating a virtual volume. The method includes creating a volume in a first datacenter, the volume in the first datacenter accessible as a virtual volume exposed to the first datacenter and a second datacenter, and establishing replication of the virtual volume to a third datacenter.