Diagnosing Inter-Node Communication Errors via Timestamped Log Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnosing errors in inter-computer communication links is challenging due to asynchronous log information and physical distance between nodes, leading to difficulties in correlating error indications and identifying the root cause of errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a receiving node detects errors, captures data, and sends a diagnostic log request to the sending node, including error information and a timestamp, allowing both nodes to log and respond with diagnostic data to facilitate accurate error diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate logs are maintained on both sides of the communication link, then each side can independently record error information, but the logs cannot be correlated due to unsynchronized time clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diagnostic log request message as an intermediary carrier that transports timestamp information from the receiving node to the sending node. This message serves as a mediator that bridges the two separate logging systems, enabling correlation despite unsynchronized clocks by providing a common reference point for error timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving node preliminarily captures and records its local timestamp when an error is detected, before the error information needs to be correlated with the sending node's logs. This preliminary recording of timing information ensures that correlation data is preserved even though the nodes operate with independent time clocks.
2Length of stationary object
If the nodes are physically distant from one another, then communication coverage is extended, but the time delay in communication substantially increases the difficulty of correlating error indications
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic log request message acts as an intermediary that carries precise timestamp information across the communication link. By embedding the receiving node's timestamp in this message, the system compensates for communication delays, allowing accurate correlation of error indications regardless of physical distance or transmission time.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If error detection is performed on one side of the communication link, then the error can be detected, but the error cause location remains uncertain as it may be on the other side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving node, upon detecting an error, sends a diagnostic log request back to the sending node. This feedback loop enables the sending node to provide its perspective on the error, including its local timestamp and log information, allowing the receiving node to determine whether the error originated at the sending end or during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the sending node detect errors unidirectionally, the patent inverts the detection approach by enabling the receiving node to actively request and receive diagnostic information from the sending node. This inversion allows the error detection capability to be utilized from both sides of the communication link, improving error location accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnosing communications between computer systems includes sending a message from a sending node to a receiving node. The receiving node detects an error in the receiving node receiving the message and captures the data regarding the error on the receiving. A diagnostic log request is sent from the receiving node to the sending node, the diagnostic log request including a request for the sending node to log information. The sending node diagnoses the communications error in response to the diagnostic log response.