Distributed Database Key Generation for Redundant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed databases face challenges with data loss and slow response times due to storage device failures and communication outages, and existing methods lack mechanisms for clients to ensure redundant storage across different storage resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating multiple keys associated with a data item in a distributed database, where each key acts as an index for a corresponding data record, allowing for redundant storage across different storage devices, thereby providing data redundancy and mitigating the risk of data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single key is used for data storage in a distributed database, then storage simplicity is maintained, but data redundancy and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single key into multiple keys by applying different hash functions to the same input data. This creates multiple key variants (first key, second key, third key, etc.) that distribute the same data across different storage devices, achieving redundancy without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single input data serve multiple functions by generating multiple keys from it. The same input data can be hashed using different hash functions to create multiple keys, allowing one data item to be stored redundantly across multiple devices using a unified key generation approach.
2Reliability
If data is stored on multiple storage devices for redundancy, then data loss risk is reduced, but query response time may increase due to multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary key generation before data storage. Multiple keys are generated in advance from the input data using different hash functions, and these keys are prepared for use in distributing and retrieving data. This preliminary preparation enables efficient parallel operations during storage and query execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the same data item, each associated with a different key generated from the same input. These copies are stored on different storage devices, ensuring that if one device fails, the data can be retrieved from another device with its corresponding key.
3Ease of operation
If a third party provider manages the distributed database, then infrastructure complexity is reduced for users, but users cannot ensure redundant storage across different storage resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to self-generate multiple keys from their input data using different hash functions. This self-service approach allows users to control the key generation process and ensure their data is distributed across multiple storage resources without relying on the third party provider's configuration or policies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for interacting with a distributed database is provided. The database includes plural storage devices. Plural keys are generated and associated with a data item. Plural operations, such as storage or retrieval operations are then initiated on the distributed database. Each operation specifies a different key acting as an index for a corresponding data record. The keys can be generated using functions operating on an initial descriptor. For example, the characters of the descriptor can be reordered to produce new keys. As such, a data item can be stored in multiple different storage devices to provide redundancy.