Virtualized Proxy Node Coordination for VM Backup Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large virtual machine (VM) infrastructure environments, existing backup management systems face inefficiencies and resource constraints due to limitations in concurrent backups and random mapping of proxy nodes to virtual machines, leading to potential backup failures when physical hosts are low on system resources.

Innovation Solution

The method involves coordinating virtualized proxy nodes by determining strategies such as restricting proxy nodes to backing up VMs within the same physical server, migrating idle proxy nodes to servers with VMs needing backup, and prioritizing physical servers with higher priority levels, to improve backup efficiency and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If proxy nodes are randomly mapped to virtual machines in large VM infrastructure, then backup coverage can be achieved, but backup management becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup efficiencyVSAvoidbackup management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the backup management system by introducing virtualized proxy nodes that are tightly coupled with specific physical hosts. Each proxy node is confined to manage backups for VMs on its host, creating localized backup domains. This segmentation eliminates the need for random mapping across the entire infrastructure, reducing management complexity while maintaining comprehensive backup coverage through a structured hierarchical approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtualized proxy nodes as intermediaries between the backup server and virtual machines. These proxy nodes act as local mediators that coordinate backup operations, reducing the management burden on the central backup server. The proxy nodes handle local backup coordination, resource monitoring, and failure recovery, thereby simplifying overall backup management in large VM infrastructures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If concurrent backups are limited by system resources, then system stability is maintained, but backup productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup throughputVSAvoidbackup failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic backup coordination where the backup server continuously monitors system resources and adjusts the number of concurrent backup operations accordingly. When resources are abundant, more backups can proceed in parallel; when resources are constrained, the system automatically reduces concurrent operations. This dynamic approach maximizes backup throughput while preventing resource exhaustion and maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the backup server receives status information from proxy nodes about resource availability and backup progress. Based on this feedback, the backup server intelligently schedules and adjusts concurrent backup operations. The feedback loop ensures that backup productivity is optimized without compromising system reliability, as the system adapts to real-time resource conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If proxy nodes are migrated between physical servers, then resource utilization improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization flexibilityVSAvoidproxy node management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal virtualized proxy nodes that can operate on any physical host within the infrastructure. These proxy nodes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of migrating between hosts and adapting to different environments. This universality enables flexible resource utilization where proxy nodes can be relocated to optimize backup operations, while the standardized design minimizes the complexity increase through consistent behavior across different physical servers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10430291B1Effective method to backup VMs in larger VM infrastructure

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

One embodiment is related to a method for coordinating virtualized proxy node based virtual machine (VM) backups, comprising: determining one or more strategies for coordinating a plurality of virtualized proxy nodes for VM backup; and initiating one or more virtualized proxy node based VM backups based on the determined one or more strategies.