Virtual Machine Disk Volume Replication via Signature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face challenges such as system shutdown during backups, limited recovery points, and lengthy data recovery processes, which can result in significant data loss in the event of a disaster.
Innovation Solution
The system replicates virtual machine disk volumes on a storage array by reading and mapping data signatures, allowing for efficient synchronization between production and replica sites, enabling continuous data protection and disaster recovery at any point in time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backup systems are used to store production site data periodically, then data protection is provided, but system shutdown is required during backup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the production site data on a separate backup storage system. By replicating data to a duplicate storage system, the original production system can continue operating without shutdown while the backup system maintains protected copies of the data.
2Quantity of substance
If data is backed up on a daily basis, then storage capacity is reduced, but several hours of data loss occur in the event of disaster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data replication where changes are copied from the production site to the backup storage system as they occur. This continuous synchronization ensures that the backup remains current without requiring periodic full backups, thereby minimizing data loss while efficiently utilizing storage capacity.
3Reliability
If data replication is implemented to create copies on secondary storage, then data availability improves, but synchronization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data into discrete blocks and replicates them independently. By segmenting data into manageable blocks that can be synchronized separately, the system can efficiently transfer and update only the necessary portions of data, reducing overall synchronization time while maintaining data availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for replicating virtual machine disk volumes on a storage array supporting reading signatures of data based on offset of data by reading signatures of data of a production virtual machine on production site; wherein reading the signature includes mapping a virtual machine disk offset into a physical storage offset and reading the signature from the physical storage; reading signatures of data of a replica virtual machine used to replicate the production virtual machine on a replica site wherein reading the signature includes mapping a virtual machine disk offset into a physical storage offset and reading the signature from the physical storage; and based on determination the signatures are not identical marking the locations for synchronization in a synchronization structure.