Cookie-Based Client Device Routing for Cluster State Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud-based computing, ensuring that multiple client devices performing joint cluster operations share state information efficiently while avoiding the cost and complexity of relying on a backend database service, and preventing split brain scenarios where multiple client devices claim to be the group leader.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where client devices pass a cookie to connect to a specific application instance, allowing them to share state information directly and ensuring synchronization, with the cookie being transmitted via a private communication link to maintain consistency across the client device group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client devices use a backend database service to share state information, then data consistency is maintained, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the state information sharing mechanism from the backend database service and implements it directly at the client device level through cookie passing. This eliminates the need for expensive and complex backend database infrastructure while maintaining data consistency among cluster members.
Solution Approach 2:
Client devices perform state information synchronization autonomously by passing cookies directly to each other without requiring backend database services. The system serves itself through peer-to-peer communication, reducing external dependencies and system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple client devices connect to different application instances, then load distribution is improved, but split brain scenarios occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the benefits of load distribution with operational consistency by having all client devices connect to the same application instance through cookie-based routing. This ensures that while load is distributed across multiple devices, all operations remain consistent within the same application instance context.
Solution Approach 2:
The cookie acts as a feedback mechanism that carries application instance identification information back to client devices. This feedback loop ensures that client devices can determine which application instance to connect to, preventing split brain scenarios while maintaining proper load distribution.
3Device complexity
If client devices share state information through direct communication, then backend service dependency is reduced, but communication reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the cookie as an intermediary that carries state information between client devices. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable direct communication without requiring complex backend services, as the cookie encapsulates all necessary state information for consistent peer-to-peer interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to passing a cookie between client devices such that, based on the cookie, connections to the application from the client devices are mapped to a given application instance. A request may be transmitted to an application instance connector to connect to an application. The application may be implemented by multiple application instances. A cookie associated with a given application instance of the multiple application instances may be received from the application instance connector. The cookie may cause connections to the application from client devices having the cookie to map to the given application instance. The cookie may be passed from a first client device to a second client device such that, based on the cookie, connections to the application from the second client device are routed to the given application instance.