Host Backup Server Data Synchronization via Local File Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The single-machine operation mode of station application servers poses significant safety hazards and leads to communication and data transmission interruptions if the server fails, as terminal data cannot be sent to a centralized traffic control system.
Innovation Solution
A data synchronization method is implemented where two station application servers are arranged at the center of the CTC, with one acting as the host machine and the other as a backup, ensuring real-time data synchronization through initial and message data exchange via TCP/IP communication, with the backup machine taking over in case of failure to maintain continuous data interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-machine operation mode is used for the station application server, then the device structure is simple and maintenance cost is low, but the system reliability is poor and communication interruption occurs when the server fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup machine that copies the host machine's data and functionality. The backup machine maintains a local file with the same data structure as the host, enabling it to take over immediately when the host fails. This copying approach ensures system reliability without requiring complex distributed system protocols, as the backup is essentially a ready-to-use replica.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup machine performs preliminary data synchronization continuously in the background, maintaining an up-to-date copy of all data before any failure occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when switching is needed, the backup can immediately assume the host's role without data loss or communication interruption, resolving the reliability issue while keeping the architecture relatively simple.
2Reliability
If real-time data synchronization is implemented between host and backup machines, then data reliability is improved, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism copies data from the host machine's local file to the backup machine's local file in real-time. This straightforward copying approach, implemented through a simple communication protocol between the two machines, ensures data reliability without introducing complex distributed database protocols or consensus algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a message queue as an intermediary component to facilitate data transmission between the host and backup machines. This intermediary simplifies the synchronization process by providing a standardized interface for data exchange, reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer communication while ensuring reliable data transfer.
3Quantity of substance
If data is stored in local files instead of databases, then database costs are reduced, but data management and synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses local files instead of databases for data storage on both host and backup machines. The synchronization process simply copies file contents from the host's local file to the backup's local file, avoiding the need for complex database replication mechanisms. This approach reduces database costs while keeping data management relatively simple through file-based operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local files as a disposable, simple storage medium rather than investing in expensive, complex database systems. The files are continuously copied and replaced as data changes, and when the backup takes over, new files are created as needed. This approach eliminates database licensing and maintenance costs while managing data through simple file operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data synchronization method for a host machine and a backup machine of a station application server includes the following steps: receiving initial data sent by the host machine and storing the initial data in a backup machine local file by the backup machine to realize data synchronization between the host machine and the backup machine in an initial state after establishing a communication between the host machine and the backup machine; and receiving message data sent by a station terminal device in real time and storing the message data in a host machine local file, then sending the message data to the backup machine by way of polling, and receiving the message data and storing the message data in the backup machine local file by the backup machine to realize data synchronization between the host machine and the backup machine.