Protocol Stack Context Storage for Fault Tolerant Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-availability systems require a common storage element for context data, increasing complexity and cost, especially in message-based communication systems like telephony networks, where context information is needed to maintain task preservation during system switchover.
Innovation Solution
Storing context information in outgoing messages using a protocol stack, where context data is appended to the message, allowing it to be included in responses and used for restoring the protocol stack context during a switchover, eliminating the need for a central storage element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common storage element is provided for storing context data, then task preservation during switchover is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the context data storage function from a dedicated common storage element and relocates it to the message structure itself. Context data is embedded within the message as a field, eliminating the need for separate storage infrastructure while maintaining the ability to preserve task context during switchover events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the context data storage function with the message structure by adding a context data field to the message. This combines two previously separate functions (message transmission and context storage) into a single integrated structure, reducing system complexity while maintaining task preservation capability
2Reliability
If a common storage element is provided for storing context data, then task preservation during switchover is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the context data storage function from expensive dedicated storage infrastructure and relocates it to the message structure. This eliminates capital expenditure on separate storage systems while maintaining the ability to preserve task context during switchover events
Solution Approach 2:
The message structure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it carries the original message content and simultaneously stores context data for task preservation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage infrastructure, reducing system cost while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing context information in an outgoing message sent from a node using a protocol stack having at least one layer, comprising: selectively indicating to a layer of the protocol stack that context information should be obtained for that layer; obtaining context information in accordance with the indication; and adding the obtained context information to the outgoing message such that a response to the message contains the context information.