Computer Node Synchronization Without Voter Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software-level synchronization schemes in fault-tolerant computer systems incur overhead and require a separate voter device for majority-decision judgment, complicating system configuration and reducing reliability and availability.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with multiple nodes, each equipped with an external communications unit, application unit, synchronization unit, and inter-node communications unit, where nodes attach identification information to processing requests and transmit them, allowing for selection based on a predetermined judgment criterion, eliminating the need for a voter device and simplifying configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate voter device is used for majority-decision judgment, then the synchronization reliability is improved, but the system configuration complexity increases and availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voter device functionality into the existing computer nodes by implementing a selection unit that performs majority-decision judgment. Each computer node includes a selection unit that selects processing requests based on reception timing information, eliminating the need for separate voter devices while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer nodes are designed to perform multiple functions: they both execute application processing and perform majority-decision judgment for synchronization. The selection unit within each node enables it to function as both a processing entity and a voting entity, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate voter device is used for majority-decision judgment, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voter functionality is merged into the computer nodes themselves. The selection unit in each node performs majority-decision judgment using reception timing information, allowing the system to maintain high availability while achieving accurate synchronization without separate voter devices.
3Device complexity
If software-level synchronization is implemented, then the system configuration is simplified, but the synchronization overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system attaches reception timing information to processing requests before transmission. This preliminary action allows computer nodes to perform efficient selection based on pre-computed timing data, reducing synchronization overhead while maintaining simplified software-level configuration.
4Device complexity
If conventional software-level synchronization is implemented, then the system configuration is simplified, but the synchronization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Reception timing information is attached to processing requests in advance, enabling efficient selection without complex real-time calculations. This improves synchronization efficiency while keeping the software-level configuration simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reception timing information as a key parameter for selection, changing the synchronization approach from complex coordination to simple timing-based selection, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining configuration simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a plurality of computer nodes, each including an external communications unit. An application unit executes processing in accordance with a processing request. A synchronization unit establishes synchronization of the processing between each computer node and other computer nodes. The processing is executed by each computer node, and an inter-node communications unit executes transmission/reception of information between each computer node and the other computer nodes. The synchronization unit transmits the processing request to the other computer nodes via the inter-node communications unit, the processing request being received by the external communications unit. Also, the synchronization unit receives processing requests from the other computer nodes as well via the inter-node communications unit. Based on the number of the computer nodes that have received the same processing request via the external communications units, the synchronization unit selects a processing request that should be executed by the application unit.