About HyperMetro
This section describes the logical architecture and highlights of the active-active DC solution.
HyperMetro is Huawei's active-active storage solution that enables two storage systems to process services simultaneously, establishing a mutual backup relationship between them. If one storage system malfunctions, the other one will automatically take over services without data loss or interruption. With HyperMetro being deployed, you do not need to worry about your storage systems' inability to automatically switch over services between them and will enjoy rock-solid reliability, enhanced service continuity, and higher storage resource utilization.
Deployment Modes
HyperMetro supports both single-data center (DC) and cross-DC deployment modes.
- Single-DC deployment
In this mode, the active-active storage systems are deployed in two equipment rooms in the same campus and hosts are deployed in a cluster.
Hosts communicate with storage systems through a switched fabric (Fibre Channel or IP). Dual-write mirroring channels are deployed on the storage systems to ensure continuous operation of active-active services.
Figure 2-1 shows an example of the single-DC deployment mode.
- Cross-DC deployment
In this mode, the active-active storage systems are deployed in two DCs in the same city or in two cities located in close proximity. The distance between the two DCs is within 300 km. Both of the DCs can handle service requests concurrently, thereby accelerating service response and improving resource utilization. If one DC fails, its services are automatically switched to the other DC.
In cross-DC deployment scenarios involving long-distance transmission (≥ 25 km for Fibre Channel; ≥ 80 km for IP), dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) devices must be used to ensure a short transmission latency. In addition, mirroring channels must be deployed between the active-active storage systems for data synchronization.
Figure 2-2 shows an example of the cross-DC deployment mode.
Highlights
- Dual-write ensures data redundancy on the storage systems. In the event of a storage system or DC failure, services are switched over to the other DC at zero RTO and RPO, ensuring service continuity without any data loss.
In typical clusters, HyperMetro achieves zero RTO. In virtual clusters, the RTO is approximately equal to zero because VMs will be automatically restored on other hosts if a host in the cluster becomes faulty.
- Both DCs provide services simultaneously, fully utilizing DR resources.
- The active-active solution ensures 24/7 service continuity. The gateway-free design reduces potential fault points, further enhancing system reliability.
- HyperMetro can work with HyperReplication to form a geo-redundant layout comprising three DCs.
With these highlights, HyperMetro is well suitable to various industries such as health care, finance, and social insurance.