Hybrid Task Assignment for Web Crawling Load Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web crawling systems face challenges in load balancing and scalability due to bottlenecks in both static and dynamic task assignment models, particularly in distributed environments with increasing numbers of nodes, where network traffic and indeterministic behavior complicate ideal load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid task assignment process that uses a deterministic mapping function to selectively assign tasks, where non-reserved tasks are handled by worker nodes and reserved tasks are sent to a central unit, combining the benefits of static and dynamic assignment models to achieve load balancing and prevent bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If static task assignment is used, then task distribution is deterministic and communication overhead is reduced, but load balancing deteriorates due to indeterministic system behavior and bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tasks into two categories: reserved tasks and non-reserved tasks. Non-reserved tasks are handled by worker nodes using deterministic mapping functions, while reserved tasks are managed by a central control unit. This segmentation allows the system to reduce communication overhead for common tasks while maintaining load balancing through centralized management of reserved tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary that manages reserved tasks and provides work-stealing functionality. When worker nodes complete their assigned tasks, they can request additional work from the central control unit, which acts as a mediator to redistribute tasks and maintain load balancing across the distributed system.
2Productivity
If dynamic task assignment is used, then load balancing is improved through centralized coordination, but scalability deteriorates due to bottlenecks in centralized units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the task management functionality between worker nodes and a central control unit. Worker nodes independently handle non-reserved tasks using deterministic mapping, eliminating the need for constant centralized coordination. This segmentation reduces the burden on centralized units and enables the system to scale to larger numbers of worker nodes without creating bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning reserved tasks to the central control unit before worker nodes need them. When worker nodes complete their initial task queues, they can request additional work from the pre-prepared reserved task pool, eliminating the need for real-time centralized coordination and enabling scalable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all tasks are managed by worker nodes independently, then scalability is improved, but task coverage deteriorates due to work duplication and lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tasks into reserved and non-reserved categories, with reserved tasks managed by the central control unit to ensure complete task coverage. This segmentation allows worker nodes to operate independently on non-reserved tasks while the central unit maintains oversight of reserved tasks, preventing duplication and ensuring all tasks are completed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where worker nodes report task completion status to the central control unit. The central unit tracks which reserved tasks have been completed and can assign new reserved tasks to worker nodes that have finished their work, ensuring complete task coverage without requiring constant coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and/or computer program product selectively assigns a task using a hybrid task assignment process. One or more processors direct a working hardware node in a network to crawl a particular application, thus causing the working hardware node to encounter a task in the particular application. The processor(s) selectively handle the task according to whether the task is reserved for dynamic assignment to an other hardware node in the network, such that in response to a determination that the task encountered is not reserved, the task is handled by the working hardware node that is crawling the particular application, and in response to a determination that the task encountered is reserved, the task encountered is sent to a central unit for dynamic assignment to the other hardware node in the network.