Synchronization Message Issuing for Parallel Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scaled computing systems using general-purpose interconnects, the accuracy of synchronization among computers is low due to the serial transmission of synchronization messages, leading to increased standby time and decreased execution efficiency, and requires additional mechanisms to maintain synchronization in case of message loss.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization-message issuing system that uses a second synchronization-message issuing device to send synchronization messages to first devices, which convert and distribute them to computing devices via switches, ensuring synchronized processes across all devices at the same timing using a general-purpose interconnect protocol, with a generation value to identify process types and detect message loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synchronization messages are sent in series via general-purpose interconnect switches, then system cost is reduced, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to transmission delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale computing system into multiple groups, with each group having a dedicated synchronization message issuing device. This segmentation allows parallel distribution of synchronization messages within each group, reducing transmission delays while maintaining cost-effectiveness through general-purpose interconnects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical structure where synchronization messages are distributed in two dimensions: first from the master device to multiple first issuing devices, then from each first issuing device to multiple computing devices. This multi-dimensional distribution approach overcomes the limitations of serial transmission.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated interconnect is used for synchronization message distribution, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses general-purpose interconnects that can handle both data communication and synchronization message distribution. The switches in the interconnect are designed to prioritize and recognize synchronization messages, allowing them to be transmitted with high reliability without requiring dedicated hardware, thus reducing system cost while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces synchronization message issuing devices as intermediaries between the master device and computing devices. These intermediaries receive synchronization messages, convert them to appropriate protocols for general-purpose interconnects, and distribute them, thereby bridging the gap between high-accuracy requirements and cost-effective implementation.
3Ease of manufacture
If general-purpose interconnect protocol is used for synchronization message distribution, then system cost is reduced, but message loss may occur requiring additional maintenance mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where computing devices acknowledge receipt of synchronization messages. The synchronization message issuing devices track message distribution status and can detect missing acknowledgments, triggering retransmission of lost messages. This feedback loop ensures reliable delivery without requiring expensive dedicated interconnects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by assigning unique sequence numbers to synchronization messages before transmission. This allows receiving devices to identify missing messages and request retransmission, providing a cost-effective mechanism to handle potential message loss in general-purpose interconnect environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for issuing a synchronization message in a large-scaled computing system including an interconnect and a plurality of computing devices that is connected to the interconnect. The interconnect includes a plurality of switches that is connected to each other. The device sends a synchronization message for synchronizing computing processes on the computing devices to all the computing devices at same timing via the switches that are directly connected to any of the computing devices by using a protocol for a general-purpose interconnect.