Redundant Communication Paths for Data Processing Lock Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed computing systems face disruptions due to communication failures when attempting to obtain or release resource locks, such as failover locks, leading to loss of access to shared resources and hindering data processing operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multiple communication paths between nodes and data processing lock devices to ensure reliable transmission of data processing resource lock signals, allowing for redundant requests to be sent over different paths in case of communication failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single communication path is used between nodes and lock devices, then the system structure is simple, but communication failures can occur leading to loss of access to shared resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to shared resourcesVSAvoidcommunication paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication path between nodes and lock devices is segmented into multiple independent paths. Each path can be used separately, and if one path fails, other paths remain functional. This segmentation ensures that communication failures in one path do not result in complete loss of access to shared resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Redundant communication paths are established in advance before any failure occurs. These备用 paths act as a cushion or backup mechanism, ensuring that if the primary communication path fails, the system can immediately switch to alternative paths without experiencing service interruption or loss of access to shared resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple communication paths are implemented, then reliability of lock signal transmission is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock signal transmissionVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication infrastructure is divided into multiple independent segments or paths. Each path can be managed and monitored separately, allowing for targeted troubleshooting and maintenance without affecting the entire system. This segmentation reduces the complexity of managing failures while maintaining high reliability through redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If redundant communication paths are used, then availability of data processing operations is enhanced, but cost and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing availabilityVSAvoidcommunication resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple communication paths are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be used for normal lock signal transmission, failover operations, and system diagnostics. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the redundant infrastructure, ensuring that the additional resources provide value beyond just backup capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10833979B2Data processing lock signal transmission
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10833979B2 patent drawing
  • US10833979B2 patent drawing
  • US10833979B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with one aspect of the present description, a node of the distributed computing system has multiple communication paths to a data processing resource lock which controls access to shared resources, for example. In this manner, at least one redundant communication path is provided between a node and a data processing resource lock to facilitate reliable transmission of data processing resource lock signals between the node and the data processing resource lock. Other features and aspects may be realized, depending upon the particular application.