Non-disruptive Coordinated Timing Network Merge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for merging coordinated timing networks are disruptive and costly, requiring server downtime, which leads to business losses and revenue impacts due to the need for system outages during the merging process.

Innovation Solution

A non-disruptive merging capability that allows multiple coordinated timing networks to be integrated into a single network without shutting down servers or partitions, using a new CTN identifier and merge indicator to synchronize timekeeping and configure servers dynamically, ensuring continuous operation during the merging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional merging methods are used to integrate multiple coordinated timing networks, then the networks can be merged into a single network, but servers must be shut down causing business disruption and revenue loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork integration capabilityVSAvoidbusiness continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by setting the merge indicator bit in advance before actual merging occurs. The new CTN identifier is prepared and configured ahead of time, allowing servers to be merged without shutdown. This preliminary preparation enables the merging process to occur seamlessly while maintaining server operation and business continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts network configuration during operation by modifying the merge indicator bit and CTN identifier while servers remain active. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the coordinated timing networks to be integrated without static pre-planning that would require shutdown, enabling continuous operation throughout the merging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If servers are shut down for merging, then network integration can be accomplished, but system availability and service continuity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork merging capabilityVSAvoidsystem availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous server operation during the merging process by using the merge indicator bit to coordinate the integration. Servers continue to provide time synchronization services throughout the merging, eliminating downtime and maintaining system availability. The useful action of time synchronization continues uninterrupted while the network structure is reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a new CTN identifier and merge indicator are used, then non-disruptive merging is enabled, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerging efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes specific parameters (merge indicator bit state and CTN identifier) to enable non-disruptive merging. By modifying these discrete parameters rather than reconfiguring the entire system, the complexity is minimized while achieving efficient merging. The parameter changes are localized and controlled, allowing rapid integration without comprehensive system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11323322B2Non-disruptively merging coordinated timing networks

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Coordinated timing networks are dynamically merged into a single coordinated timing network. This merge occurs without taking down any of the servers. Each server of the merged coordinated timing network has the same coordinated timing network identifier (CTN ID), and the merged coordinated timing network has one selected primary time server. Optionally, the merged coordinated timing network may include a backup time server and an arbiter.