Adaptive Heartbeat Mechanism for Distributed Storage Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In distributed storage systems using the Raft consistency algorithm, fixed heartbeat times lead to excessive signaling between storage devices, particularly those with low read/write frequencies, resulting in high system overheads and impaired read/write performance.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive determination of heartbeat times based on the read/write frequencies of data block groups, allowing the primary device to adjust the heartbeat time according to access status information, thereby optimizing communication frequency and reducing unnecessary signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed heartbeat time is used to ensure timely synchronization of high-frequency data block groups, then data synchronization reliability is improved, but system overhead increases due to excessive signaling in low-frequency data block groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsystem overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic heartbeat time adjustment by introducing a heartbeat time adaptation module that automatically adjusts the heartbeat interval based on the read/write frequency of each data block group. High-frequency groups use shorter heartbeat intervals to ensure timely synchronization, while low-frequency groups use longer intervals to reduce signaling overhead. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the heartbeat time flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of heartbeat time from a fixed value to a variable value that adapts based on data block group characteristics. By monitoring the read/write frequency and adjusting the heartbeat interval accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between synchronization reliability and signaling overhead for different data access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If short heartbeat interval is used for high read/write frequency data block groups, then data synchronization timeliness is improved, but communication frequency increases causing high system overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronization timelinessVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different heartbeat intervals to different data block groups based on their local characteristics (read/write frequency). Instead of using a uniform heartbeat interval for all groups, the system tailors the heartbeat time to each group's specific access pattern, ensuring timely synchronization for high-frequency groups while avoiding excessive communication for low-frequency groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heartbeat interval becomes a dynamic parameter that changes based on the observed access frequency of each data block group. The adaptation module continuously monitors access patterns and adjusts the heartbeat time accordingly, making the system responsive to actual workload characteristics rather than relying on static configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3220610B1Heartbeat-based data synchronization device, method, and distributed storage system
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3220610B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3220610B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3220610B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention discloses a heartbeat-based data synchronization method that pertains to the field of data synchronization technologies. The method is applied to a distributed storage system, and at least one data block group is stored in the distributed storage system. The distributed storage system includes multiple storage devices, one device in the multiple storage devices is a primary device for storing the data block group, and other devices are secondary devices for storing the data block group. The primary device performs the method. The primary device obtains access status information of the data block group, determines a heartbeat time of the data block group according to the access status information of the data block group, and sends a data synchronization instruction to the secondary device according to the heartbeat time of the data block group, where the data synchronization instruction is used to instruct the secondary device to synchronize data. Therefore, system overheads of the distributed storage system are reduced, and read/write performance of the storage system is improved.