Self-Organizing Network Node Groups with Automatic Master Election
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer network systems require manual configuration and management, leading to inefficiencies and downtime when a designated master node becomes unavailable, as there is no mechanism for self-organization or automatic failover of nodes in groups.
Innovation Solution
A self-organization mechanism for nodes in network computing environments that allows nodes to automatically form groups, elect a master node, and recover from failures without human intervention, using predefined virtual endpoints and peer-to-peer platforms like JXTA for node discovery and election.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual configuration is used to designate master nodes, then system control is simplified, but system availability deteriorates when master node fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic master node election and failover mechanisms. When the current master node fails, slave nodes automatically detect the failure and elect a new master node without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining system availability while keeping configuration management simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring slave nodes with the capability to detect master node failure and automatically elect replacements. This proactive setup ensures that failover can occur immediately when needed, preventing system downtime without adding complex manual configuration requirements
2Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration is required when master node fails, then system control is maintained, but loss of time increases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic failover mechanism allows the system to self-manage master node replacement. Slave nodes continuously monitor master node status and automatically initiate election procedures upon detecting failure, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing system downtime to minimal levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring of master node status by slave nodes. When the master node becomes unresponsive, this feedback triggers automatic failover procedures, ensuring rapid response to failures and minimizing operational disruption without requiring manual intervention
3Reliability
If peer-to-peer self-organization is implemented, then system reliability improves through automatic failover, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-organization mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: master node election logic, failure detection mechanisms, and automatic reconfiguration procedures. This modular approach distributes complexity across multiple manageable functions rather than requiring a single complex system, making the overall implementation more tractable while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for the self-organization of nodes into groups in network computing environments. Embodiments may provide the ability to deploy nodes on a network, and to allow the nodes to organize into groups without human intervention. In one embodiment, a node may broadcast a query looking for a master node for the group. If the query produces no responses, the node may self-elect as the master node for the group and the node may broadcast its presence as the master node. If two or more nodes self-elect as master nodes, the nodes may negotiate to determine which node will be the master node. If the master node becomes unavailable, the remaining nodes in the group may elect a new master node. Some embodiments may be implemented on a peer-to-peer platform, such as the JXTA peer-to-peer platform, which may allow the scope of the group to span subnetworks and networks.