Modular Cluster System for Scalable Data Archiving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cluster systems for data archiving face limitations in flexibility and scalability when integrating new functionalities, hardware, or software components, requiring significant development efforts and intervention in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular computer arrangement with multiple cluster systems, each comprising a first component computer, a mass memory system, a second component computer for backup, and a cluster controller, along with a composite controller that facilitates data-oriented coupling and status querying, allowing for flexible addition of new components and resources without intervention in existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionalities are integrated into the backup and archiving system, then the system's versatility and functionality are improved, but the development outlay and system complexity increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal component computer architecture where each component computer can perform multiple functions through software configuration. The system uses standardized interfaces and protocols that allow the same hardware platform to support different backup, archiving, and data processing functions, eliminating the need for separate development efforts for each functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent component computers that can be individually added, removed, or configured. Each component computer operates as a separate module with defined interfaces, allowing functionalities to be integrated by adding individual component computers rather than modifying the entire system, thus reducing development complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new host interfaces or mass memory apparatuses are supported, then the system's adaptability is improved, but the development effort and intervention in existing systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized interface adapters and protocol translators as intermediary components between new host interfaces or mass memory apparatuses and the core system. These intermediaries handle the complexity of interface variations, allowing new devices to be supported without direct intervention in the existing cluster system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The component computers are designed with universal interface capabilities through software drivers and standardized communication protocols. This allows the same hardware platform to support multiple host interfaces (SCSI, SATA, NVLink, etc.) and mass memory apparatuses without requiring dedicated development for each interface type.
3Ease of operation
If the system architecture is made more flexible for adding new components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic resource allocation and hot-plugging capabilities that allow component computers to be added or removed during operation without shutting down the system. The cluster controller dynamically reconfigures data flows and task assignments, making the system adaptable to changing configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster controller implements automated feedback mechanisms that monitor system status, detect added or removed components, and automatically reconfigure the system architecture. This feedback loop abstracts the complexity of architectural changes from the operator, allowing easy component addition while the system self-manages the increased architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer arrangement includes a plurality of cluster systems each cluster system configured to archive data from at least one data processing installation, wherein each of the plurality of cluster systems is of modular design and includes at least one first component computer that receives data to be archived from the data processing installation, at least one mass memory system that buffer-stores the data to be archived, a second component computer that backs up the data to be archived on at least one further mass memory apparatus, and a cluster controller that controls the individual component computers of the respective cluster system; at least one data connection for data-oriented coupling of the plurality of cluster systems; and at least one composite controller that queries status data via a query interface of the cluster controllers of the plurality of cluster systems and transmits work orders to a control interface of the cluster controllers of the plurality of cluster systems.