Daisy Chain Data Distribution for Large File Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data distribution methods in data centers, such as BitTorrent and HTTP, are inefficient for transferring large files and lack effective failure recovery mechanisms, especially in HDFS systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a daisy chain technique using multiple TCP connections to sequentially stream data blocks between nodes, with a failure recovery mechanism that re-transmits missing blocks and allows failed nodes to rejoin the chain upon recovery, reducing dependence on seeders and improving scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If BitTorrent or HTTP protocols are used for data distribution, then data can be transferred across the network, but the transfer speed is insufficient for large files and the system lacks effective failure recovery mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidfailure recovery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments large data files into smaller blocks and distributes them through a daisy-chain topology where each node receives and forwards blocks sequentially. This segmentation enables faster parallel transfer of multiple blocks while maintaining reliability through block-level error handling and retransmission at the block level rather than full file retransmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary nodes in the daisy chain that act as both receivers and forwarders. Each intermediary node receives blocks from its predecessor, stores them temporarily, and forwards to its successor. This intermediary structure enables pipelining and provides multiple paths for failure recovery, as any node can retransmit blocks to subsequent nodes if failures occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional data distribution methods are used, then existing systems can maintain compatibility, but scalability is limited and dependency on seeders creates bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoiddependency on seeders
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling each node in the daisy chain to autonomously receive, store, and forward data blocks without requiring continuous coordination with the original seeder. Once a node receives blocks, it independently forwards them to the next node, eliminating the single-point dependency on the seeder and enabling the system to scale to many more nodes than traditional seeder-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from the traditional star topology (all nodes connected to a central seeder) to a linear daisy-chain topology. This dimensional change in the network structure allows data to flow through multiple paths and enables any node to potentially serve as a source for recovery, fundamentally improving scalability while reducing seeder dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If large files are transferred using existing protocols, then data distribution can occur, but the process is slow and lacks robust failure recovery mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure recovery mechanismVSAvoiddata distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the daisy-chain topology and block segmentation before data transfer begins. Each node is pre-configured with its position in the chain and the blocks it will receive and forward. This preliminary setup enables immediate high-speed transfer upon initiation and allows for quick failure recovery since the topology and block assignments are already determined, avoiding the need for complex dynamic reconfiguration during transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10476736B2Daisy chain distribution in data centers
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 PAYPAL INC
  • US10476736B2 patent drawing
  • US10476736B2 patent drawing
  • US10476736B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a system to provide daisy chain distribution in data centers are provided. A node identification module identifies three or more data nodes of a plurality of data nodes. The identification of three or more data nodes indicates that the respective data nodes are to receive a copy of a data file. A connection creation module to, using one or more processors, create communication connections between the three or more data nodes. The communication connections form a daisy chain beginning at a seeder data node of the three or more data nodes and ending at a terminal data node of the three or more data nodes.