Distributed Unique Identifier Allocation in Node Pools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed database systems face inefficiencies and scalability limitations due to centralized management of unique identifiers, particularly in handling node additions and failures, leading to inefficient messaging and potential loss of identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A distributed system and method for allocating unique identifiers across nodes, utilizing a distributed lock and identity data structure to manage and allocate identifiers, allowing nodes to update and share free identifier lists, ensuring efficient allocation and reuse without centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized management of unique identifiers is used, then identifier allocation control is simplified, but system scalability and messaging efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized identifier pool into distributed pools at each node. Each node maintains its own free list of identifiers, segmenting the overall identifier management into independent local units that can operate autonomously while contributing to the global identifier space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copies of the free list data structure at each node in the distributed system. Each node holds a local copy of the free list, allowing parallel operation and eliminating the need for centralized coordination, thereby improving scalability while maintaining consistency through replication.
2Device complexity
If centralized identifier allocation is used, then allocation control is simplified, but messaging efficiency and identifier loss prevention worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each node to autonomously allocate identifiers from its local free list without requiring centralized authorization. Nodes self-manage their identifier allocation, reducing messaging overhead while maintaining reliability through local control and immediate allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-allocates pools of identifiers to nodes before they need them. Each node receives a pool of identifiers in advance and maintains a free list, allowing immediate allocation without waiting for centralized approval, thus preventing identifier loss due to delays or system failures.
3Productivity
If distributed identifier allocation without locking is used, then messaging is reduced, but identifier allocation consistency and uniqueness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes periodically communicate their free list status and allocation activity. This feedback loop allows nodes to adjust their allocation strategies while maintaining uniqueness consistency across the distributed system without requiring continuous locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of allocation strategies based on real-time system state. Nodes can adapt their free list management and allocation behavior dynamically, allowing flexible and efficient identifier distribution while maintaining consistency through coordinated updates.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for assignment of unique identifiers in a distributed environment. In a distributed system having a plurality of nodes, a method for allocating identifiers comprises steps of: allocating a pool of identifiers for use; maintaining lists of free identifiers in the pool at participating nodes; obtaining at a first node permission to update the lists of free identifiers; upon receiving permission to update the lists, allocating for the first node a set of identifiers from the lists; updating the lists of free identifiers to reflect allocation of the set of identifiers for the first node; sending the updated lists from the first node to other participating nodes; upon receiving the updated lists of free identifiers at each other participating node, updating each other participating node's respective copy of the lists of free identifiers; and relinquishing the first node's permission to update the lists of free identifiers.