Data integrity validation using hierarchical volume management

A method executed on one or more processors for writing data to data blocks in a data storage system, the method comprising:

• receiving data to be written to one or more data blocks in the data storage system from a host interface, wherein the data is stored in a cache;
• generating protection information to be stored on a virtual protection information volume;
• requesting a virtual data volume to update the data blocks with the data;
• and
• requesting the virtual protection information volume to store the protection information.

A system for reading data from data blocks in a data storage system having one or more data storage mediums, the system comprising:

• a logic unit for requesting a virtual data volume to access first data from one or more first data blocks in the data storage system, in response to receiving a read request from a host interface;
• a logic unit for requesting a virtual protection information volume to access first protection information associated with the first data blocks, wherein the first protection information is stored on the virtual protection information volume;
• a logic unit for validating the first data using the first protection information;
• and
• a logic unit for providing the first data to the host interface, in response to successful validation of the first data.

A computer program product comprising a non-transitory data storage medium having a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:

• request a virtual data volume to access first data from one or more first data blocks in a data storage system, in response to receiving a read request from a host interface;
• request a virtual protection information volume to access first protection information associated with the first data blocks, wherein the first protection information is stored on the virtual protection information volume;
• validate the first data using the first protection information;
• and
• providing the first data to the host interface, in response to successful validation of the first data.