Multicast Data Retrieval in Distributed Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data retrieval from distributed storage systems involving multiple nodes is often cumbersome and complex, requiring numerous communications and potentially leading to data corruption or loss due to system malfunctions and large data transmission issues.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing multicast messages to efficiently retrieve data by sending a request to a subset of storage nodes, receiving data directly from a first node if its size is below a predetermined threshold, and ensuring data integrity through analysis and potential repetition until acceptable data is obtained, with the option of using backup nodes for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional unicast communication is used to retrieve data from distributed storage nodes, then data can be retrieved reliably, but communication overhead and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast communication channels into a single multicast channel. Instead of establishing separate point-to-point connections with each storage node, the system uses a single multicast message sent to all potential data sources simultaneously, dramatically reducing communication overhead while maintaining reliability through multiple potential data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data retrieval process into two phases: a multicast phase where a single message is broadcast to all storage nodes to identify data locations, and a selective unicast phase where data is retrieved only from nodes that have the required data. This segmentation reduces overall communication complexity by avoiding unnecessary point-to-point communications with nodes that don't have the data.
2Reliability
If redundant data storage is implemented across multiple nodes, then data loss risk is reduced, but data retrieval complexity increases due to multiple nodes involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where storage nodes automatically respond to multicast queries with their data inventory information. When a data retrieval request is made, the system broadcasts a multicast message and nodes that have the requested data automatically identify themselves and provide the data, eliminating the need for complex centralized coordination and simplifying the retrieval process while maintaining redundancy benefits.
3Productivity
If data is transmitted from multiple storage nodes simultaneously, then retrieval speed may improve, but data integrity verification becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where storage nodes provide information about their data inventory and availability in response to multicast queries. The system receives feedback from multiple nodes simultaneously, identifies which nodes have the required data, and then retrieves data only from those nodes. This feedback approach maintains data integrity by verifying data availability before retrieval while preserving the speed benefits of parallel communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and server for retrieving data from a data storage system including a plurality of storage nodes. The method may include sending a multicast message to at least a subset of the storage nodes. The multicast message may include a request for the subset of storage nodes to send the data. The multicast message may further include a data identifier, indicating the data to be retrieved. Moreover, the method may include receiving data from a first storage node of the subset of storage nodes. The data received from the first storage node may correspond to the requested data. At least the act of sending a multicast message or the act of receiving data from the first storage node may be performed on a condition that an estimated size of the data is less than a predetermined value.