Logical Address Scheme for Reliable Group Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group communication protocols face challenges with node re-joining after address changes, NIC failures, and Network Address Translation, as they rely on physical addresses which can be unreliable and inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a logical address scheme that is created upon channel formation, stored in a cache with sender's addresses, and dissolved when the channel is closed, allowing for consistent communication independent of IP addresses and receiver sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical addresses (IP address and port) are used for communication, then communication can be established between endpoints, but the address becomes unreliable when node rejoins, NIC fails, or Network Address Translation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address system into two distinct layers: physical addresses (IP address and port) for actual network communication, and logical addresses (stable identifiers) for consistent endpoint identification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable logical addresses while physical addresses can change due to NIC failures, re-joining nodes, or NAT scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces logical addresses as an intermediary layer between communication endpoints. Instead of directly using physical addresses that can change, the system uses stable logical addresses that act as mediators. When a node rejoins or NIC fails, the logical address remains the same while the underlying physical address may change, ensuring continuous reliable communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If logical addresses are implemented to improve address stability, then communication becomes independent of IP changes, but additional address management mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing physical address serve multiple functions: it continues to be used for actual network communication while simultaneously serving as a key to identify and manage logical addresses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate address management infrastructure, as the physical address layer already present in the system is leveraged to manage the logical address space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates logical addresses as stable copies or abstractions of physical addresses. Instead of directly managing the volatile physical addresses, the system creates stable logical address copies that can be used for consistent identification. When physical addresses change, the logical address copies remain valid, simplifying the management burden by working with the stable logical layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing message is described. In one embodiment, a channel layer is configured to form a logical address upon a creation of a channel of a group communication protocol, to store an association of the logical address with a message received with a sender's address in a cache of a member of the group, and to dissolve the logical address when the channel is to be closed or disconnected.