Non-intrusive crash consistent copying in distributed storage systems without client cooperation

摘要

A method for controlling access to a storage element that forms a portion of a logical storage device includes setting a write-barrier value to a first value upon receiving a request to copy the contents of the logical storage device. Write operations to the storage element are prohibited with the write-barrier value set to the first value. The portions of the logical storage device associated with the storage element are then copied. Upon the completion of the copying, the write-barrier value is then set to a second value.