Heartbeat-Based Configuration Synchronization in Client-Server Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configuration synchronization methods in client-server systems, particularly in lightweight cluster architectures, are cumbersome and burdensome due to the need for additional modules and maintenance, especially when dealing with large numbers of clients and complex configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing heartbeat messages to synchronize configurations by sending a heartbeat request message with a current configuration change code, receiving a response message with a network device's configuration change code, and then sending a request for synchronization based on the differences between the codes to update configurations without requiring additional modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a configuration synchronizing module is set at the client to periodically send join queries, then configuration synchronization can be achieved, but the client requires separate installation of additional modules and the server bears additional burdens from processing new connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration synchronization function with the existing heartbeat detection mechanism. The client integrates configuration change code into the heartbeat request message, and the server integrates configuration information into the heartbeat response message. This eliminates the need for separate configuration synchronization modules at both client and server ends, reducing system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heartbeat message is transformed into a multi-functional message that simultaneously performs both heartbeat detection and configuration synchronization. By embedding configuration change codes and configuration information within the existing heartbeat message structure, the system achieves universal functionality without adding dedicated synchronization protocols or modules.
2Loss of time
If the server proactively pushes configuration information to clients, then configuration updates can be timely delivered, but the server requires installation of additional modules for maintaining clients' registered information
Solution Approach 1:
The client takes active responsibility for obtaining configuration information by incorporating configuration change code detection into its heartbeat requests. The client autonomously compares configuration codes and initiates synchronization requests when changes are detected, eliminating the need for the server to maintain active client information lists or push configurations proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the server pushing configuration information to clients, the invention inverts the approach by having clients pull configuration information through heartbeat exchanges. The client detects configuration changes by comparing codes and actively requests updated configuration information from the server only when necessary.
3Reliability
If a long TCP connection is maintained between client and server for configuration synchronization, then real-time updates can be achieved, but the connection is not reliable as it can be interrupted by timeouts from intermediate network equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic heartbeat messages to maintain configuration synchronization instead of relying on a persistent long-lived TCP connection. The heartbeat mechanism periodically exchanges configuration change codes and synchronization requests, ensuring reliability without requiring continuous connection stability. This periodic action naturally handles network interruptions and timeouts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate controller is used to issue configuration changes to clients, then centralized configuration management can be achieved, but maintaining the separate controller is required and the system becomes unsuitable for lightweight cluster architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration synchronization functionality from a separate dedicated controller and integrates it directly into the existing server and client components. The server's heartbeat response mechanism and the client's heartbeat request mechanism both incorporate configuration code comparison and synchronization, eliminating the need for a separate configuration controller while maintaining centralized management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for changing configurations at a client device is presented. The configuration changing method comprises: a) sending a heartbeat request message to a network device over a network, wherein the heartbeat request message carries a current first configuration change code of a client device; b) receiving from the network device a heartbeat response message in accordance with the first configuration change code, wherein the heartbeat response message carries a current second configuration change code of the network device; c) sending, in accordance with the first configuration change code and the second configuration change code, a request message to the network device for synchronizing configurations; d) obtaining configuration synchronization information sent from the network, synchronizing configurations of associated services according to the configuration synchronization information, and updating the first configuration change code in accordance with the results of the configuration synchronization.