Distributed OLAP Query Execution in Main Memory Clusters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database systems face limitations when processing large data sets with single machines, as they are bounded by the number of cores and main memory, leading to restrictions in processing power and data volume, necessitating the use of distributed processing across multiple nodes to efficiently handle larger data sets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of distributed query execution using message passing in combination with intra-node shared-memory parallelism, employing efficient communication algorithms and techniques such as precompiled query plans, full parallelization, and advanced inter-node communication methods like MPI collective operations to maximize hardware utilization and reduce bottlenecks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If distributed processing across multiple nodes is used, then processing power and data volume capacity are improved, but communication overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing powerVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the database system into multiple independent nodes, each capable of autonomous processing. Data is partitioned across nodes, and query processing is segmented into local execution units. This segmentation enables parallel processing while maintaining manageable complexity at each node level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-node vertical scaling to multi-node horizontal scaling, adding a spatial dimension to system architecture. This dimensional change allows processing power to scale across the network while keeping individual node complexity constant.

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

2Quantity of substance

If distributed processing across multiple nodes is used, then data volume capacity is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-compiles query execution plans and pre-positions data in optimal locations before query execution. By preparing execution strategies in advance and organizing data spatially beforehand, the system minimizes communication overhead during actual query processing while maintaining high data volume capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs data replication and caching mechanisms where frequently accessed data is copied to multiple nodes or cached in memory. This reduces the need for repeated communication across the network while increasing the effective data volume available for processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If main memory is used for large datasets, then query execution speed is improved, but memory capacity is limited to single machine constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery execution speedVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments large datasets across multiple nodes, each maintaining their own in-memory data structures. This allows the system to handle data volumes exceeding single-machine memory capacity while preserving the high-speed access characteristics of main memory for each node's local data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the in-memory processing capabilities of multiple nodes into a unified distributed system. By merging local memory resources across nodes and coordinating access through efficient communication protocols, the system achieves both high execution speed and expanded data volume capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11106676B2Fast OLAP query execution in main memory on large data in a cluster
Publication Date: 2021.08.31 SAP SE
  • US11106676B2 patent drawing
  • US11106676B2 patent drawing
  • US11106676B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are described for efficient execution of analytical queries on large amounts of data in a parallel database cluster while making maximal use of the available hardware.