Patent Application
20080016124
The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:
The detailed description explains an exemplary embodiment of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawing.
Referring to the Figure, a system 10 for replicating data to multiple replica copies, is shown. The system 10 includes a replication device 12 that houses a replica data source 14. The replication device 12 is configured to receive and replicate data during an established replication session.
A primary data source 20 is communicatively coupled to the replication device 12 by way of a network 40 used for communicating. As shown, the primary data source 20 is a computer 22 including a monitor 24 that is communicatively coupled to a central processing unit 26. The central processing unit 26 is also communicatively coupled to a keyboard 28 and a computer mouse 30. The primary data source 20 is pre-determined by a user of the system 10 prior to initiating a replication session. The replica data source 14 is a replica of the primary data source 20 but unlike the primary data source 20, the replica data source 14 does not require the ancillary components that the primary data source 14 includes, for example, no monitor 24 is included, etc. The primary data source 20 is configured to store data, and to transmit the stored data via the network 40 to the replica data source 14 during an established replication session. Thus, the primary data source 20 need only send data to the replication device 12 assuming that the replication device 12 is the only other element on network 40.
A plurality of secondary devices 50, 60 and 70 are communicatively coupled to the replication device 12 via the network 40. Each secondary device 50, 60 and 70 may be similar to the primary data source 20. Secondary device 50 includes a monitor 52 that is communicatively coupled to a central processing unit 54. The central processing unit 54 is also communicatively coupled to a keyboard 56 and a computer mouse 58. Likewise, secondary device 60 also includes a monitor 62 that is communicatively coupled to a central processing unit 64. The central processing unit 64 is also communicatively coupled to a keyboard 66 and a computer mouse 68. Additionally, secondary device 70 includes a monitor 72 that is communicatively coupled to a central processing unit 74. The central processing unit 74 is also communicatively coupled to a keyboard 76 and a computer mouse 78. Each secondary device 50, 60 and 70 is configured to receive the data that is replicated and multicast from the replication device 12.
The primary data source 20 and the secondary devices 50, 60 and 70 are not limited to implementations as personal computers as depicted in
The replication device 12 has a fixed IP address. When devices are configured for data replication, the device is configured with its own IP address and the IP address of the replication device 12 as the remote IP address. Only one device serves as the primary data source 20.
In case of operational failure by the primary data source 20 during the replication session, the replication device 12 is configured to select a replacement primary data source 20 from secondary devices 50, 60 and 70. By configuring the replication device 12 to be able to select a replacement primary data source 20 in case of operational failure by the original primary data source 20, the replication session is ensured to be performed.
The system 10 includes software to initiate a method for replicating data to multiple replica copies. The method begins at a first step with a replication device 12, which houses a replica data source 14, being connected to a primary data source 20 via a network 40 for communicating. As previously explained, the primary data 20 source is configured to store data, and to transmit the stored data via the network 40 to the replica data source 14 during an established replication session.
At a second step, a replication session is initiated between the primary data source 20 and the replica data source 14.
At a third step, the primary data source 20 transmits the stored data to the replica data source 14.
At a fourth step, the replica data source 14 receives and replicates the transmitted data.
At a fifth step, the replication device 12 multicasts the replicated data to a plurality of secondary devices 50, 60 and 70, that are communicatively coupled via the network 40 to the replication device 12.
At a sixth step, the replication device 12 selects one of the secondary devices 50, 60 or 70 as the primary data source if the original primary data source 20 of the system 10 fails to operate properly. By configuring the replication device 12 to be able to select a replacement primary data source in case of operational failure by the original primary data source 20, the replication session is ensured to be performed.
While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.
