Virtualization Layer for Continuous Data Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face disruptions and inefficiencies when integrating a virtualization layer into a replication environment, as it often requires reconfiguration of replication connections and complete data sweeps due to changes in SCSI identities of volumes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting a virtualization layer that virtualizes physical volumes into virtual volumes without disrupting replication activities, allowing continuous replication by configuring the system to redirect I/Os and manage mappings between frontend and backend volumes, enabling seamless migration and replication at the virtual volume level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtualization layer is inserted into a replication environment, then data protection and virtualization capabilities are improved, but replication disruption and reconfiguration requirements occur due to SCSI identity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary component between the storage system and replication system. This virtualization layer acts as a mediator that translates SCSI commands from the storage system into replication operations, allowing virtual volumes to be replicated without disrupting the underlying physical storage infrastructure. The intermediary enables seamless integration of virtualization capabilities while maintaining replication continuity through proper command translation and volume mapping.
2Reliability
If a virtualization layer is inserted into a replication environment, then data protection is enhanced, but complete data sweeps and reconfigurations are required due to volume identity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing volume mapping relationships between physical volumes and virtual volumes before the virtualization layer is fully deployed. The system creates and maintains a mapping table that associates physical SCSI identifiers with virtual volume identifiers in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the replication system to continue operating without requiring complete data sweeps or reconfigurations when the virtualization layer is inserted, as the mapping relationships are already in place to guide the replication process.
3Device complexity
If conventional replication systems are used without virtualization, then replication simplicity is maintained, but data protection against disasters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding the virtualization layer within the existing replication infrastructure. The virtualization layer is nested inside the replication system, allowing virtual volumes to be replicated using the same replication mechanisms as physical volumes. This nested architecture enables enhanced data protection capabilities while maintaining replication simplicity, as the virtualization layer leverages the existing replication system rather than requiring a completely separate replication approach.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method includes continuously replicating a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicating the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting. In another aspect, an article includes a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores executable instructions. The instructions cause a machine to continuously replicate a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicate the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting. In a further aspect, an apparatus includes circuitry configured to continuously replicate a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicate the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting.