Timestamp-Based Object Transfer in Distributed File Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed file systems face challenges in efficiently transferring and synchronizing data across multiple storage devices to prevent data loss in case of hardware or system failures, particularly in determining the correct timestamp for data transfer and managing conflicts between modified copies of objects across different storage devices.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mechanism where computing devices query other devices for timestamps of data transfers, determine the earliest timestamp, and use this information to transfer objects from one storage device to another, ensuring data integrity by transferring only modified objects after the indicated timestamp, and resolves conflicts by analyzing sets of timestamps associated with each copy of an object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple computing devices transfer objects to a third computing device simultaneously, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but determining the correct timestamp for data transfer becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third computing device as an intermediary that receives objects from multiple source computing devices. This intermediary device centralizes the timestamp management function, acting as a mediator that coordinates data reception from multiple sources. By consolidating timestamp determination in one location rather than requiring coordination between multiple peer devices, the system achieves data redundancy while simplifying timestamp management complexity.
2Reliability
If all objects are transferred between storage devices to ensure data integrity, then data reliability is improved, but transfer time and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by transferring only the necessary subset of objects rather than all objects. The system determines which objects need transfer by comparing timestamps - only objects with modification timestamps later than the last synchronized timestamp are transferred. This selective approach maintains data integrity by ensuring all necessary updates are propagated while significantly reducing transfer time and network bandwidth consumption compared to transferring all objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timestamp information as feedback to control the data transfer process. Each object carries timestamp metadata indicating its modification time, and the system uses this feedback information to make intelligent decisions about which objects require transfer. The third computing device maintains a record of the latest timestamp it has received, and this feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously optimize transfer operations by only sending updated objects, thereby maintaining data integrity while minimizing transfer overhead.
3Reliability
If timestamps are frequently updated and checked to ensure data freshness, then data currency is improved, but system overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timestamp determination and comparison logic from the complex multi-device coordination process and consolidates it in the third computing device. By taking out the timestamp management function from the distributed peer-to-peer interaction and centralizing it, the system maintains data freshness through frequent timestamp updates while reducing overall system complexity. The extraction of this critical function to a dedicated location simplifies the processing burden on individual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by a first computing device of a distributed file system from a second computing device, a first timestamp associated with a first version of a set of objects stored on the second computing device, the first timestamp corresponding to a modification time of the first version of the set of objects, or a first transfer time of the first version of the set of objects from at least one of the first computing device or a third computing device of the distributed file system to the second computing device. The method also includes identifying a second version of the set of objects stored on the first computing device, the second version of the set of objects having a second timestamp, the second timestamp corresponding to a modification time of the second version of the set of objects or a second transfer time. The method further includes transferring the second version of the set of objects to the second computing device to be stored on the second computing device.