Edge Server Relay Routing for Host Processor Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data transmission from end devices to servers in IoT systems can be interrupted, leading to loss of valuable data before communication is restored.
Innovation Solution
An edge server system with a switch board controller that routes data to a host processor in a default mode and to an alternate edge server in a relay mode, allowing data to bypass the host processor and transfer data wirelessly to an alternate server if the edge server is in relay mode, with selection of alternate servers based on proximity and workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is routed through the host processor in default mode, then normal processing functions are maintained, but data transmission may be interrupted when the host processor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The switch board controller serves as an intermediary between the wireless interface and host processor, enabling it to independently route data packets without requiring host processor intervention. This mediator capability allows the switch board controller to bypass the host processor during failures while maintaining normal data flow under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the switch board controller with routing rules and health monitoring mechanisms before failures occur. The heartbeat signal mechanism continuously monitors host processor status in advance, enabling proactive switching to relay mode before data transmission is interrupted
2Reliability
If the switch board controller monitors host processor health status, then relay mode switching can be triggered timely, but additional monitoring overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The host processor monitors its own health status by generating heartbeat signals that the switch board controller detects. This self-service monitoring approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring hardware or complex polling mechanisms, reducing overall system overhead while maintaining reliable failure detection
3Reliability
If the system switches to relay mode upon host processor failure, then data transmission continuity is maintained, but normal processing functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between default mode and relay mode based on real-time host processor health status. In default mode, the switch board controller routes data through the host processor for full processing functionality. In relay mode, it bypasses the host processor to maintain transmission continuity. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for either productivity or reliability based on operational conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An edge server and edge server system including: a host processor, a switch board controller, and a wireless interface coupled to the host processor and the switch board controller. The switch board controller is configured to route data received through the wireless interface to the host processor if the edge server is in a default mode. The switch board controller is further configured to route the received data independently of the host processor to an alternate edge server via the wireless interface if the edge server is in a relay mode.