Distributed Control Plane for Intermittent Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed systems face challenges in coordinating services due to communication interruptions, which can limit the ability of data processing systems to effectively implement user intents.

Innovation Solution

A distributed control plane management system that utilizes an intermediate representation of roles to facilitate service provision. This system allows local control planes to operate independently, select leaders, and establish temporary deployment plans based on self-reported role fit data, ensuring continued service provision even during connectivity disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized control plane is used to manage distributed systems, then coordination and control are simplified, but communication interruptions can cause system failures and loss of service provision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provision reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol plane architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control plane is segmented into multiple independent control plane elements distributed across the network, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized architectures. Each element can independently manage portions of the deployed network, ensuring continuous operation during communication interruptions between elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on connectivity status. When communication interruptions occur, the system transitions from centralized control mode to distributed autonomous mode, where control plane elements independently make decisions based on local information and intermediate representations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If control plane elements maintain constant communication for coordination, then system-wide consistency is achieved, but communication overhead and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem consistencyVSAvoidcoordination latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Control plane elements perform preliminary actions by pre-computing intermediate representations and role assignments during periods of good connectivity. This allows them to operate autonomously during communication interruptions without requiring real-time coordination, reducing latency while maintaining system consistency through periodic synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If data processing systems have fixed roles assigned centrally, then role management is simplified, but adaptability to dynamic network conditions and connectivity interruptions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverole assignment flexibilityVSAvoidrole management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The role assignment system is made dynamic through intermediate representations that can be independently interpreted by different control plane elements. Roles are not fixed but can be reassigned based on current network conditions, connectivity status, and system requirements, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized role definitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If centralized management makes decisions about service provision, then resource allocation is optimized globally, but responsiveness to local connectivity conditions and interruptions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provision efficiencyVSAvoidservice continuity during interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Control plane elements and data processing systems are empowered to make autonomous decisions about service provision based on local conditions and intermediate representations. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation during connectivity interruptions while maintaining efficient resource allocation through locally-optimized decisions that align with overall system goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12309162B2System and method for distributed management of hardware with intermittent connectivity

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing distributed systems are disclosed. The distributed systems may include any number of data processing systems that may contribute to the functionality of the distributed system. To contribute to the functionality of the distributed system, each of the data processing systems may need to be configured to positively contribute to one or more functions. To manage configuration of data processing system, a distributed control plane may be utilized that vests decision making authority at different levels within a hierarchy. The hierarchy may be flexible and adapt to changes in connectivity between data processing systems.