Erasure-Coded Fragment Retrieval Using Hybrid Push-Pull Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing architectures face challenges in accessing distributed servers efficiently due to susceptibility to fault conditions and significant setup times, particularly when using push protocols for erasure-coded fragments in distributed storage systems.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid approach combining push and fragment pull protocols allows an assembling device to receive an initial set of erasure-coded fragments via push protocol, and if insufficient, it retrieves additional fragments using a fragment pull protocol to ensure complete reconstruction of segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If push protocol is used to access distributed servers for erasure-coded fragments, then fragments can be transmitted proactively to assembling devices, but the system becomes susceptible to fault conditions and requires significant setup time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproactive fragment transmissionVSAvoidsystem susceptibility to fault conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between push and pull protocols based on operational conditions. The push protocol is used for initial fragment distribution, while the pull protocol is activated when faults occur or setup time is excessive, allowing the system to adapt its fragment retrieval strategy in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the protocol parameter from purely push-based to a hybrid push-pull approach. By adjusting the protocol type based on fault conditions and setup time requirements, the system optimizes reliability while maintaining proactive transmission capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If push protocol is used for fragment transmission, then fragments can be delivered proactively, but setup time becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproactive fragment transmissionVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses partial push protocol for initial fragment distribution and supplements it with pull protocol when needed. This partial use of push protocol reduces setup time while maintaining proactive transmission benefits, avoiding the excessive setup time of full push protocol implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The push protocol performs preliminary fragment distribution proactively, but the system prepares fallback pull protocol mechanisms in advance. This preliminary action with push protocol reduces setup time for initial distribution while having pre-prepared alternatives ready

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If only push protocol is used, then fragment transmission can be proactive, but reliability under fault conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproactive fragment deliveryVSAvoidfault condition handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its protocol usage based on fault conditions. When faults are detected in push protocol transmission, the system switches to pull protocol for fragment retrieval, maintaining productivity while improving reliability under fault conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The assembling device acts as an intermediary that can request fragments via pull protocol when push protocol fails. This intermediary capability provides an alternative path for fragment acquisition, improving reliability while maintaining proactive delivery benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If hybrid push and pull protocol is used, then reliability and efficiency of segment reconstruction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment reconstruction reliabilityVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembling device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both push and pull protocols. This universal design allows the device to switch between protocols based on conditions, improving reliability while managing complexity through a unified architecture that handles both protocol types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7822856B2Obtaining erasure-coded fragments using push and pull protocols

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 XENOGENIC DEVELOPMENT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

AI summary

Obtaining erasure-coded fragments using push and pull protocols, including the steps of receiving a first set of erasure-coded fragments associated with segments via a transmission using push protocol, whereby the first set is not sufficient for reconstructing some of the segments; and retrieving a second set of erasure-coded fragments using a fragment pull protocol, wherein the first and the second sets together are sufficient for reconstructing the segments.