Resilient Cache-Based Topology Detection for Dynamic Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating network topology mapping in dynamic clusters are prone to inaccuracies and failures due to temporary or permanent host and switch unavailability, leading to incomplete and non-resilient mapping information.
Innovation Solution
A resilient cache-based topology detection process that automatically maps hosts to switch ports in real-time, using a series of tables and executable instructions to maintain current topology information, even in the presence of failures, by populating and updating tables dynamically and utilizing cache tables for backup data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to generate topology mapping data by connecting to all switches and hosts, then mapping information can be obtained, but the process fails or produces inaccurate data when hosts or switches are down
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously polling switches and hosts before failures occur, caching the retrieved mapping data in memory structures. This ensures that even when a host or switch goes down during the mapping generation process, the cached data from before the failure is still available, preventing complete data loss and maintaining resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data structures (such as host-to-switch mapping tables and cache mechanisms) that mediate between the raw network data collected from switches/hosts and the final topology mapping output. These intermediaries buffer the data collection process from failures, allowing the system to continue operating and generating mapping data even when individual components are unavailable.
2Productivity
If topology mapping is performed in real-time, then current network information is available, but the process is complex and requires continuous updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous topology detection through periodic polling of switches and hosts at scheduled intervals. This continuous action ensures that mapping data is always current and up-to-date, allowing the system to respond to network changes in real-time while maintaining a manageable detection process through structured polling cycles rather than constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors network changes and automatically updates the topology mapping data based on detected changes. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain real-time accuracy by responding to actual network events, reducing the need for complex continuous polling while ensuring timeliness of the mapping information.
3Measurement precision
If mapping data is updated frequently to remain current, then real-time information is available, but the system becomes more vulnerable to failures during updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and validation before applying updates to the topology mapping. By preparing and verifying the new mapping data in advance and using transactional update mechanisms, the system can apply changes atomically, preventing partial or corrupted updates from affecting system stability while maintaining real-time accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements error handling and rollback mechanisms that cushion the system against failures during update processes. If an update fails or corrupts data, the system can roll back to the previous stable state or use cached backup data, preventing the vulnerability to failures from compromising the reliability of the topology mapping while still enabling frequent updates for real-time accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The constituency and topology of a dynamic network cluster comprising a plurality of hosts and a plurality of Level 2 network switches is automatically detected and mapped at selected intervals of time to provide current real time topology mappings. Network connections are determined by identifying the MAC addresses of host interfaces of hosts that a part of the cluster and the MAC addresses of the particular host interfaces connected to the switch ports of each switch. Resiliency to account for changes to the cluster between intervals is provided by caching cluster mapping and constituency information, and using the cached information from a previous update round to supplement information detected during a current round.