Host Affinity Policy for VMware Backup Proxy Datastore Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing environments, backing up virtual machines (VMs) is challenging due to configuration changes that can render datastores unavailable, leading to inconsistent backup processes and increased reliance on network transport modes, which can compromise network bandwidth and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a host affinity policy that groups hosts and datastores based on accessible datastores, allowing backup proxies to use storage data paths internally within the cluster, minimizing the use of network transport modes and ensuring consistent backup operations even during configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If backup proxy uses storage data path for backup operations, then backup performance is improved, but availability deteriorates when datastore becomes unavailable to host
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a datastore accessibility determination mechanism as an intermediary between the backup proxy and the storage data path. This intermediary checks whether the datastore is accessible to the host before allowing storage path-based backup, and if not, automatically switches to network transport mode. This resolves the contradiction by providing conditional access paths that maintain both performance (when storage path is available) and reliability (when network path is used as fallback).
2Reliability
If backup proxy uses network transport mode for backup, then availability is improved when storage path is unavailable, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using network transport mode only when absolutely necessary (when storage data path is unavailable). The system first attempts to use the more efficient storage data path, and only partially resorts to network transport mode when the storage path proves unavailable. This minimizes network bandwidth consumption while maintaining backup availability, avoiding excessive network usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If backup method is dynamically determined after configuration changes, then adaptability is improved, but consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining datastore accessibility to the host before initiating backup operations. This pre-check ensures that the most appropriate transport mode is selected in advance, preventing inconsistent backup behavior. By performing this determination beforehand, the system maintains both adaptability (choosing the right path) and consistency (following a predictable decision-making process).
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method for generating a host affinity policy includes selecting one or more criterion for a host affinity policy, and scanning a computing environment and establishing a baseline configuration of the computing environment based upon the scan. The selected criteria are then applied to baseline configuration information, and a host affinity policy is generated based upon the application of the selected criteria to the baseline configuration information. In this example, the host affinity policy identifies a cluster that includes set of hosts, a backup proxy, and a set of datastores that are accessible by one or more of the hosts and the backup proxy.