Protocol Abstraction Layer for Multi-Protocol Request Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer systems face challenges in efficiently processing requests across different protocols and data storage systems, leading to complexities in accessing and managing data storage configurations, especially when multiple protocols and objects are involved.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a protocol abstraction layer to select the appropriate protocol and runtime path for processing requests based on object types and parameters, allowing for the retrieval of properties from both the first and associated objects in a single request, with a client-side cache for optimized data retrieval and updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols are supported for processing requests in a client-server system, then the system's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing data storage configurations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A protocol abstraction layer is introduced as an intermediary between the command layer and multiple protocol-specific layers. This abstraction layer provides a unified interface for issuing requests while handling protocol-specific implementations internally, allowing the system to support multiple protocols without increasing complexity at the command interface level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct layers: a command layer that remains protocol-agnostic, a protocol abstraction layer that manages protocol selection and coordination, and protocol-specific implementation layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be developed and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while supporting multiple protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols and runtime paths are used for processing requests, then the system's ability to handle different object types and operations is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the correct processing path increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequest processing capabilityVSAvoidpath selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol abstraction layer implements feedback mechanisms that monitor request characteristics, object types, and operation parameters to dynamically select the appropriate protocol and runtime path. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to automatically determine the correct processing path based on real-time conditions, reducing the difficulty of path selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic protocol selection where the chosen protocol and runtime path are determined at runtime based on the specific request characteristics, object types, and operations required. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring static configuration, simplifying the detection and selection of appropriate processing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If properties of multiple objects are retrieved in a single request, then the productivity and efficiency of data retrieval are improved, but the complexity of managing and organizing the returned information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple data retrieval operations into a single unified request by allowing the command layer to specify multiple object properties and associated objects in one request. The protocol abstraction layer coordinates this combined request across multiple protocols and runtime paths, retrieving all required properties in a single operation, thereby improving productivity while managing information complexity through centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9158729B1Client request processing using protocol abstraction
Publication Date: 2015.10.13 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US9158729B1 patent drawing
  • US9158729B1 patent drawing
  • US9158729B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are techniques for processing a request. The request is sent from a command layer to a protocol abstraction layer. The request is to perform an operation on a first object of a first object type and the request includes one or more parameters. The protocol abstraction layer selects a first of a plurality of protocols and a first of a plurality of runtime paths for processing the request. The first protocol is selected in accordance with criteria including any one or more of the first object type, the operation being requested, and the one or more parameters. The request is processed in accordance with the first protocol and the first runtime path.