Cluster Log Aggregation with Persistent Volumes for Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and processing large volumes of log files in complex cluster networks is challenging, particularly in large-scale distributed systems like Santorini, where timely and efficient exchange of information between users and vendors is crucial for debugging and support.

Innovation Solution

A support bundle processing mechanism that collects and aggregates logs from all components and nodes in the cluster using a coordinator-worker design, ensuring comprehensive logging and filtering to create a single interface for vendors to analyze issues, with dedicated persistent volumes for critical components to prevent data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If logs are collected from all components and nodes in the cluster, then comprehensive system information is provided for debugging, but the volume and complexity of log data increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive system informationVSAvoidlog data complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cluster into multiple nodes and components, with each node generating logs independently. The log collector service segments the collection process by targeting specific nodes and components individually, allowing manageable processing of large volumes of logs through systematic division rather than overwhelming centralized collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A log collector service acts as an intermediary between the distributed log sources (components and nodes) and the vendor support system. This intermediary consolidates, filters, and standardizes logs from multiple sources into a unified format, reducing the complexity of handling raw distributed log data while maintaining comprehensive information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If detailed logging is implemented across all nodes, then debugging capability is improved, but the time required to process and analyze logs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging capabilityVSAvoidlog processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Logs are collected and consolidated in advance by the log collector service before vendor analysis is needed. The service continuously gathers logs from all nodes and stores them in a centralized location, so when debugging is required, the vendor receives pre-processed, organized log data rather than having to collect and aggregate it in real-time, significantly reducing analysis time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The log collector service extracts only the relevant log data from each node and component, filtering out redundant or less critical information. This extraction process focuses on capturing essential debugging information while reducing the overall volume of data that requires processing and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If logs are aggregated from multiple sources, then a unified view for vendors is achieved, but the risk of data loss during transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified view for vendorsVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Logs from multiple distributed sources are merged into a single consolidated support bundle by the log collector service. This merging process creates a unified view for vendors while maintaining data integrity through systematic collection and packaging, ensuring that all log data is preserved in a structured format during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements protective measures beforehand by storing logs in persistent volumes and using reliable transmission mechanisms. The log collector service ensures logs are securely saved before transmission and uses error-handling protocols to prevent data loss during transfer, cushioning against potential failures in the data transmission process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250217261A1Cluster network log aggregation for debugging and audits

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A multi-node, multi-container cluster system that generates, aggregates, and manages log files from services and components to be used for audit logs and to debug and perform other serviceability tasks provided by a vendor of the cluster system. Logs are collected from all components of the system and aggregated into a consistent format for user analysis and further audit log management. Logs are stored in a central persistent volume (PV) for non-critical components and additional dedicated persistent volumes for critical components, where critical components require at least one of node affinity or log perseverance. A PV mounter pod is used to mount the dedicated PVs to respective components.