Cache Server Mode Switching for Broadcast Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network-based services face challenges in efficiently and reliably updating cache servers due to issues with cache consistency, particularly when the broadcast server becomes unavailable, leading to resource inefficiencies and delayed data updates.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that allows cache servers to switch between broadcast mode and timer mode based on the broadcast server's operational status, where cache servers operate in broadcast mode when the broadcast server is functional and switch to timer mode when it is not, ensuring continuous data updates without relying on the broadcast server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cache servers rely on broadcast server for data updates, then cache consistency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when broadcast server becomes unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecache consistencyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cache server dynamically switches between broadcast mode and timer mode based on the operational status of the broadcast server. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain cache consistency when the broadcast server is available while ensuring continued functionality when it becomes unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the cache server from broadcast mode to timer mode (or vice versa) based on the broadcast server's status. This parameter change enables the cache server to adapt its update mechanism, maintaining both cache consistency and system reliability under different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If cache servers operate in timer mode without broadcast server, then system adaptability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to periodic cache clearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cache server dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the broadcast server's availability. When the broadcast server is available, the system operates in broadcast mode to conserve resources. When the broadcast server is unavailable, it switches to timer mode to maintain adaptability, thus balancing resource efficiency and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The timer mode implements periodic cache clearing and refetching at predetermined intervals. This periodic action ensures that cached data remains valid even when the broadcast server is unavailable, maintaining adaptability while managing resource consumption through structured, interval-based updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If cache servers use broadcast mode, then resource efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when broadcast server fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential broadcast server failure by implementing a timer mode as a backup mechanism. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the broadcast server becomes unavailable, the cache servers can continue operating using timer mode, thus maintaining system availability while normally benefiting from the resource efficiency of broadcast mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The timer mode acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap when the broadcast server fails. It provides an alternative data update pathway that maintains system reliability, while the primary broadcast mode continues to provide resource efficiency when functional, thus resolving the contradiction between resource consumption and system availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If cache servers switch between modes frequently, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cache server uses feedback from the broadcast server's operational status to determine mode switching. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control logic by relying on clear status indicators (broadcast server available or unavailable) rather than complex decision algorithms, thus maintaining adaptability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cache server autonomously determines when to switch between broadcast mode and timer mode based on the broadcast server's status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external control mechanisms or complex coordination, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3378216B1Enhanced mode control of cached data
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3378216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378216B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein are techniques and systems for controlling a broadcast mode and a timer mode to update data stored in respective caches of multiple cache servers. When a cache server is operating in the broadcast mode, the cache server receives a data update or a notification of a data update from a broadcast server. When a cache server is operating in the timer mode, the cache server updates its cache without the use of, or reliance upon, the broadcast server. A cache server is configured to operate in the broadcast mode based on a determination that the broadcast server is capable of broadcasting (e.g., sending) messages and/or data updates to the cache servers. In contrast, a cache server is configured to operate in the timer mode based on a determination that the broadcast server is incapable of broadcasting messages and/or data updates to the cache servers.