Cluster Time Synchronization via Master Node Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer clusters, stepping back a node's clock to synchronize time can lead to confusion, data incoherence, and system instability, particularly when multiple clocks need to be adjusted, affecting availability, reliability, and performance.
Innovation Solution
Replace the existing master node with a node that has a clock ahead of the current master node, provided it meets certain criteria, such as being within an acceptable range of the mean cluster time, to avoid stepping clocks backwards and ensure synchronization without disrupting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a member clock is stepped backwards to synchronize with the master clock, then time synchronism is achieved, but system stability and data coherence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stepping the slave clock backwards to match the master clock, the patent inverts the approach by having the master clock step forwards to match the slave clock. This reversal of the adjustment direction eliminates the harmful effects of backwards clock adjustment while achieving the same time synchronization goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from the slave clock time to the master clock time. By modifying which clock is adjusted and in which direction, the system achieves synchronization without the negative consequences associated with stepping clocks backwards.
2Measurement precision
If multiple member clocks are stepped back simultaneously, then time synchronism is achieved, but cluster availability and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle at the system level by having the master clock adjust forwards to meet the slave clocks, rather than having multiple slave clocks adjust backwards. This single adjustment action maintains cluster availability while achieving synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The master clock acts as an intermediary that absorbs the time adjustment burden. Instead of multiple slave clocks simultaneously adjusting backwards (which would impact availability), the master clock adjusts forwards to accommodate all slave clocks, maintaining system performance.
3Reliability
If gradual clock adjustment is used, then system stability is maintained, but synchronization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the adjustment direction, the patent enables larger forward steps in the master clock without the stability issues associated with backward adjustments. This allows faster synchronization while maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronizing cluster time is described. Times of one or more nodes in the cluster to a master node of the cluster are synchronized. It is discovered that a node of a cluster has a clock time that is ahead of a master clock time of the master node. In response to discovering the node with the clock time ahead of the master clock time, the master node is replaced with the node ahead thereof in time, which thus becomes a new master node. The clock times of the cluster nodes are synchronized with the clock time of the new master node.