Distributed Control Apparatus Load Balancing via Shared Database

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centralized control of multiple communication equipment in communication systems leads to increased load on control apparatuses, resulting in performance deterioration and lack of effective operation management, particularly in avoiding control apparatus failures.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with multiple control apparatuses that share a database to determine and manage packet handling operations, distributing load and facilitating operation management by assigning control apparatuses to packet processing units and updating the database for redundancy and dynamic load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a control apparatus performs centralized control of multiple communication equipment, then control functionality is provided, but load on the control apparatus increases causing performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidperformance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control function into multiple control apparatuses (first control apparatus and second control apparatus). Each control apparatus manages a subset of packet processing means, thereby segmenting the overall control load. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive control functionality while distributing the processing burden across multiple apparatuses, preventing performance deterioration that would occur with a single centralized controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple control apparatuses share control of communication equipment, then load is distributed, but operation management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distributionVSAvoidoperation management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational management interface into a unified system where multiple control apparatuses cooperate through a common database. The first and second control apparatuses share access to the same packet handling operation database, allowing them to coordinate their actions and present a unified management interface. This combining approach maintains ease of operation management while achieving load distribution across multiple apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a shared database as an intermediary between multiple control apparatuses. This database serves as a mediator that coordinates the actions of different control apparatuses, allowing them to exchange information about packet handling operations without direct complex communication. The intermediary database simplifies the management of multiple control apparatuses by providing a centralized repository for operational data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If centralized control is implemented, then packet processing is controlled, but control apparatus failure risks system failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket processing controlVSAvoidfailure avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function across multiple independent control apparatuses (first control apparatus and second control apparatus). Each apparatus can independently perform packet processing control, eliminating the single point of failure that would exist in a purely centralized system. If one control apparatus fails, the other can continue to provide control functionality, thereby maintaining system reliability while preserving automated packet processing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2862322B1Communication system, control apparatus, communication method, control method and program
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 NEC CORP
  • EP2862322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2862322B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2862322B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation management method for a plurality of control apparatuses has not been established for a system where communication equipment is centrally controlled by a control apparatus. A communication system includes a plurality of control apparatuses that determine a packet handling operation; a plurality of packet processing means that process packets in accordance with the packet handling operation notified by the control apparatus; assignment means that assigns, with respect to each of the packet processing means, a control apparatus that controls the packet processing means concerned; and a database that is shared by the plurality of control apparatuses and that stores information related to the packet handling operation; wherein each of the control apparatuses refers to the database to determine the packet handling operation.