Metadata-Driven Distributed File Access for Unstable Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed file access methods are not suitable for unstable network environments, leading to prolonged file access times when intelligent terminals are not in communication connection through a server.
Innovation Solution
A distributed file access method that utilizes metadata including file modification types and tags to determine optimal read policies, caching and updating files based on types like terminalless, single-terminal, occasional multi-terminal, and frequent multi-terminal writes, improving efficiency and reducing network dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing distributed file access methods (SMB, NFS) are used, then high-throughput data access is provided in centralized network environments, but file access takes a long time in unstable network environments and requires server dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments file access operations into local cache operations and remote synchronization operations. The terminal device maintains local file copies in cache, allowing file access to proceed locally without server dependency, while background synchronization handles remote updates. This segmentation eliminates the bottleneck of server-based access in unstable networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-caching file data and modification metadata (modification types and tags) locally on terminal devices before actual file access is needed. This allows the device to quickly determine access policies and retrieve files from local cache without waiting for server responses, improving access speed in unstable network conditions.
2Ease of operation
If server-based distributed file access is used, then centralized file management is achieved, but the system becomes highly dependent on network stability and server availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges centralized file management capabilities with distributed local access. Terminal devices maintain local file systems with cached copies of remote files, combining the benefits of centralized management (through metadata synchronization) and distributed access (through local cache operations). This hybrid approach provides adaptability to unstable networks while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local file caches as intermediaries between the terminal device and remote server. These caches store file data and modification metadata locally, acting as a buffer that allows file operations to proceed without direct server communication. The intermediary cache layer provides adaptability to network instability while maintaining centralized management through periodic synchronization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If files are frequently synchronized across multiple terminals, then data consistency is maintained, but network interactions increase and access efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating file access strategies based on local conditions. Each terminal device maintains local file caches with modification metadata, allowing it to determine access policies locally without constant server communication. Files are accessed from local cache when possible, reducing network interactions and access time, while synchronization maintains data consistency across terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing modification types and modification tags as new metadata parameters. These parameters enable intelligent determination of access policies based on file characteristics and terminal states, allowing the system to optimize between synchronization frequency and access efficiency dynamically, reducing unnecessary network interactions while maintaining consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed file access method and a related device, applied to a first electronic device, where the first electronic device is in communication connection to a second electronic device, the first electronic device stores metadata of a first file on the second electronic device, and the metadata includes a file modification type and a file modification tag. The method includes: receiving a read instruction for the first file; reading the file modification type and the file modification tag of the first file; and reading the first file according to the file modification type and the file modification tag of the first file. The method can improve performance of file access between electronic devices.