Multicast Access Coordination for Distributed Network Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed network systems, there is a lack of centralized access control mechanisms, leading to conflicts and race conditions when multiple hosts attempt to access shared resources simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize multicast data packets to request and manage access to shared resources, where a host transmits a multicast request packet and sets a timer to verify accessibility, allowing operations on the resource if no conflicting requests are received within the predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hosts access shared resources simultaneously in a distributed network without centralized control, then system autonomy and decentralization are improved, but conflicts and race conditions occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where hosts transmit multicast request packets and wait for responses within a predetermined time window. If no response is received, the host assumes access is granted. This feedback loop enables decentralized coordination without centralized control, resolving the contradiction between system autonomy and access coordination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires hosts to transmit access request packets before actually accessing the shared resource. This preliminary action allows other hosts to receive the request and respond accordingly, preventing conflicts before they occur. The predetermined waiting period serves as a preliminary coordination phase that ensures reliable access without centralized control
2Reliability
If centralized access control is implemented to coordinate resource access, then access coordination reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for central management infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the access coordination function from centralized control infrastructure and distributes it to individual hosts. Each host independently manages its own access requests and responses using multicast packets, eliminating the need for centralized resource managers while maintaining coordination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables hosts to self-manage resource access coordination through autonomous transmission of request packets and interpretation of responses. Each host serves itself by implementing the access control logic locally, eliminating dependency on centralized control infrastructure while maintaining reliable coordination
3Speed
If access requests are transmitted without timing mechanisms, then access speed is improved, but race conditions occur when multiple hosts simultaneously request the same resource
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing mechanisms where hosts transmit access requests and wait for predetermined time intervals to determine if responses are received. This periodic structure allows fast transmission while ensuring that hosts check for conflicts at regular intervals, preventing race conditions through structured timing rather than continuous monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations include methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media for controlling access to a shared resource on a distributed network, comprising transmitting a multicast request packet to a plurality of hosts to request access to the shared resource. The implementations further include setting a first timer for a first predetermined period of time after transmitting the multicast request packet. Additionally, the implementations further include verifying that the shared resource is accessible, in response to determining that, during the first predetermined period of time, no multicast packets related to access to the shared resource have been received. Additionally, the implementations further include performing one or more operations on the shared resource, in response to verifying that the shared resource is accessible.