Snapshot activation for storage replication

Abstract

One or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to optimizing snapshot creation in active-active storage replication environments. The system implements a two-phase snapshot process that significantly reduces the impact on IO operations. During the create phase, volumes are prepared, and pending snapshot indications are set in fast-access memory on both storage arrays without requiring an extended consistency window. The activate phase utilizes a shortened consistency window to flush IO operations and set global activation indicators. Snapshot activation completes asynchronously in the background while preserving existing data before accepting new writes. The system intercepts write operations during activation, coordinating between arrays to maintain consistency. This approach enables the creation of identical point-in-time snapshots across replicated arrays while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations through reduced dependency on extended consistency windows. The system provides efficient snapshot management without compromising data integrity or write-order consistency across the active-active replication environment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.