Edge Log Relay Routing for Intermittent Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous computing environments, edge devices often lack direct network connectivity to cloud data centers, leading to challenges in efficiently shipping large quantities of log data and impacting network bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for smart log shipping that identifies edge devices in a heterogeneous computing environment, allowing data transmission through alternative edge devices based on network connectivity, mobility, and resource availability, enabling efficient log data transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If edge devices transmit log data directly to cloud data center, then log shipping reliability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and connectivity requirements become stricter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate edge devices as mediators in the log shipping process. When a source edge device cannot directly communicate with the cloud data center, it transfers log data to intermediate edge devices that have better connectivity. These intermediaries then forward the data to the destination, reducing direct bandwidth consumption from remote devices while maintaining reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to log shipping by utilizing the physical movement and spatial distribution of edge devices. Instead of a single direct path, log data can be routed through multiple spatial locations via moving edge devices, transforming the shipping problem from a single-hop direct connection to a multi-hop distributed routing problem that better utilizes available network resources.
2Speed
If edge devices use direct cloud connectivity for log shipping, then transmission speed is improved, but adaptability to heterogeneous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing where edge devices continuously assess network conditions, connectivity availability, and device mobility to adaptively select optimal log shipping paths. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between direct high-speed paths when available and indirect relay paths through intermediate devices when connectivity is poor, maintaining both speed and adaptability in heterogeneous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as routing paths, transmission timing, and intermediate relay selection based on varying network conditions and device states. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than using fixed direct connectivity, the system achieves both high transmission speed when conditions permit and broad adaptability across heterogeneous cloud, edge, and end-device environments.
3Reliability
If all log data is transmitted immediately, then data availability is improved, but network resource strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering and prioritization of log data at edge devices before transmission. Critical logs are prepared and staged for immediate transfer when connectivity is available, while non-critical logs are buffered for later transmission. This preliminary organization ensures data availability for important information while reducing immediate network resource strain by spreading transmissions over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic transmission batches rather than continuous immediate transmission of all logs. Edge devices accumulate logs in local buffers and transmit them in periodic batches when network conditions are favorable, balancing data availability requirements with network resource conservation. This periodic action reduces sustained network strain while ensuring logs are eventually made available.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computer system are provided for smart log shipping in a heterogeneous computing environment. A first edge device and a second edge device in a heterogeneous cloud computing environment are identified. The first edge device is caused to transmit collected log data associated with the first edge device to the second edge device based on a lack of network connectivity between the first edge device and a cloud data center. The transmitted collected log data is received from the second edge device.