Replication Description Model Automates Network Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring low-level network connectivity for data replication in database systems is cumbersome and time-consuming, diverting attention from defining replication logic.

Innovation Solution

A replication description model (RDM) is used to define data replication logic and physical environments, automatically configuring network communication, memory storage, and server settings, ensuring transaction delivery and consistency across data sources and replication databases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually configure low-level network connectivity for data replication, then network communication can be established, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a replication description model as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying network infrastructure. This model automatically translates high-level replication configurations into low-level network connectivity settings, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network parameters while ensuring reliable communication between source and destination servers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the replication configuration to automatically generate and configure its own network connectivity requirements. The replication description model includes network connectivity configuration as part of the automated setup process, eliminating the need for separate manual network configuration steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually configure network connectivity, then network settings can be customized, but users must spend time on network setup instead of focusing on replication logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration flexibilityVSAvoidreplication logic development
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into distinct layers: the high-level replication logic layer (which users define) and the low-level network connectivity layer (which is automatically generated). This segmentation allows users to focus exclusively on replication logic while the system automatically handles network configuration, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The replication description model acts as an intermediary that automatically translates replication logic requirements into network configuration settings. This intermediary handles the conversion process, allowing users to define replication logic at a high level while the system automatically adapts the underlying network configuration to match the requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If detailed network connectivity configuration is performed, then network communication can be established, but the configuration process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata replicationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses template-based copying where pre-defined replication description models serve as templates that automatically generate the necessary network connectivity configurations. Instead of manually configuring each network parameter, the system copies and adapts proven configuration patterns from the templates, ensuring reliable data replication while simplifying the configuration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating network connectivity configurations based on the replication description model. The configuration process includes network settings generation as an automated step, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex network parameters while ensuring reliable replication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2889789B1Replication description model for data distribution
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 SYBASE INC
  • EP2889789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2889789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2889789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system, method and computer-readable mediums for replicating data, are provided. A replication logic description describing how data is replicated in a replication path and a resource description describing a replication environment are specified. The replication logic description is bound to at least one resource in the resource description. Once bound, an object representing a bound replication logic description and the resource description is generated and deployed in the replication environment. Once deployed the object replicates data in the replication path while ensuring transaction consistency and delivery during replication of the data.