Industrial Controller Failover Using Two-Server Health Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management systems for industrial controllers require a third server for redundancy, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A management system with a first server in a master state and a second server in a backup state, where the second server switches to a master state based on health signals from the first server, allowing for redundancy with only two servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a third server is added for redundancy control, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundancy control function into the existing server group by designating one server as a backup within the group. Instead of adding a separate third server for redundancy management, the backup server integrates the redundancy function directly into the server group structure, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup server performs multiple functions: it serves as a regular server within the group while simultaneously functioning as a redundancy backup. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated third server, reducing device complexity while preserving the reliability benefits of redundancy.
2Reliability
If a third server is added for redundancy control, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the redundancy function with existing server resources. By designating one of the existing servers as a backup rather than adding a third server, the system achieves reliability through resource consolidation, thereby reducing the quantity of hardware required and associated costs.
3Ease of operation
If automatic switching based on health signals is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server group implements automatic failover through health signal monitoring. When the master server sends health signals and the backup server detects their absence, the backup automatically takes over without human intervention. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation while the complexity is contained within the automated protocol rather than requiring complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A management system includes a first server and a second server. During ordinary operation, the first server apparatus is in a master state, and the second server apparatus is in a backup state. The second server apparatus belongs to a first group that receives data sent from the first server apparatus. The first server apparatus sends a first health signal to an address of the first group with a constant period. The second server apparatus switches from the backup state to the master state, based on the first health signal sent from the first server apparatus to the address of the first group.