MEC Node Failover Control to Prevent Dual-Master Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'dual-master' and 'no-master' problems in mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, where two nodes in a master-standby relationship incorrectly switch states, leading to inconsistent service processing or service interruption, are not effectively addressed by existing solutions that require additional hardware or resources.
Innovation Solution
A node control method where the first node switches to standby mode upon disconnection from the center system, and the center system sends a switch-to-master command to the second node, integrating arbitration capabilities to avoid dual-master issues without additional resources, and reducing unnecessary switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the first node autonomously switches to standby mode upon connection disconnection, then switching speed is improved, but dual-master problems may occur causing service processing inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The center system acts as an intermediary arbitrator that receives connection status notifications from both the first node and center system, coordinates the switching decision, and sends authoritative switch-to-master commands to the second node. This mediation prevents autonomous switching conflicts that would cause dual-master problems while maintaining fast switching through pre-configured standby nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the first node monitors connection status and notifies the center system, the center system monitors its own connection to the first node, and both feedback streams are integrated to make coordinated switching decisions. This feedback loop ensures service processing consistency by preventing conflicting master node declarations.
2Device complexity
If arbitration capabilities are integrated into the center system, then device complexity is reduced, but the center system's processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the central management entity and as the arbitration mechanism for master-standby switching. This universal design eliminates the need for separate arbitration hardware or software modules, reducing overall device complexity while concentrating processing responsibilities in the existing center system infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the center system sends switch-to-master commands to the second node, then no-master problems are avoided, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second node is pre-configured as a standby node with all necessary master node functionality loaded and ready. When a switch-to-master command is received, the transition is immediate without requiring additional configuration or setup communications. This preliminary preparation minimizes communication overhead during actual switching events while ensuring master node availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: a first node monitors a status of a connection between the first node and a center system, and switches to the standby node working mode when the status of the connection between the first node and the center system is disconnected. The center system monitors a status of a connection between the center system and the first node, and sends a switch-to-master command to a second node when the status of the connection between the center system and the first node is disconnected. The second node switches to the master node working mode based on the switch-to-master command. Accordingly, whether a master node is switched to a standby node is determined through connectivity detection between the node and the center system, and whether a standby node is switched to a master node is determined based on an indication of the center system.