Advances in computer technology and the general mobility of users and expansiveness of corporate enterprises have generally contributed to the increase in computer applications in various industries in order to provide more efficient and effective communications and data handling. Server systems are utilized in ways that improve the efficiency and reliability in not only making information available but also communicating information between servers.
A database is an organized collection of information with data structured such that a program can quickly search and select desired pieces of data, for example. In many deployments, the database is distributed across many machines for access and reliability.
A federation is collection of nodes that are part of a distributed system, where one node does not necessarily know about some or all the other nodes. In such a scenario, a problem exists in the reliable communications (e.g., broadcast) of data (e.g., a message) in a way that ensures that all the nodes that are alive at a particular time in the distributed system receive the message.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some novel embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The disclosed architecture provides the reliable communications of broadcast data (e.g., a message) in a collection of nodes (e.g., a federation). Each node, as it joins the collection, is assigned a token that comprises a sub-range of identifiers (e.g., numbers) in an entire identifier range space. The union of the tokens for all nodes (in a stable system) is the entire identifier range space. The token range assigned to a node changes as nodes join/depart the collection. A broadcast ownership range is also utilized and is more efficient and effective for broadcasting the data.
In the context of messages, each node that receives a reliable broadcast message from an originator node acknowledges receipt of the message using its token. For every broadcast, there can be a different originator node, which assigns the responsible broadcast ownership ranges for nodes to which the broadcast message is sent. These nodes perform the same operation if propagating the message further. Thus, the scope of the broadcast ownership range is only for a given broadcast and each node is assigned its broadcast ownership range after receiving the message.
There can be multiple levels of nodes (e.g., in parent-child relationships) where not every node is in direct communication with the other nodes, such as the originator node. In other words, one or more intermediate nodes (routing nodes, which can be referred to as sender nodes) can exist that forward the message (e.g., from the originator node) to other indirect (child) nodes with which the originator node has no direct communications. The indirect nodes each send acknowledgements back to parent nodes (e.g., the intermediate node), which then indicate receipt of the message.
The intermediate node, having an assigned token, compares the received tokens of its child nodes to the broadcast ownership range to ensure that all associated child nodes have reported as receiving the message. If not all associated child nodes have reported to the intermediate node, the intermediate node can execute a retry algorithm to resend the message to nodes within its assigned broadcast ownership range that did not respond with acknowledgements. The retry algorithm can execute to resend the message after a predetermined time period, for example.
If all nodes associated with the intermediate node have reported acknowledgement, the intermediate node then sends a single consolidated acknowledgement as its assigned token to its parent node (which can be the originator node). This consolidation process (and perhaps message retry) then continues upward, eventually reaching the originator node. The originator node then computes if the message broadcast was successful to all targeted nodes.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The disclosed architecture is a token-based scheme which ensures the accountability that broadcast data (e.g., message) has reached all targeted nodes of a collection (e.g., a federation). Each node in the collection is assigned a token. Each token is a range of identifiers, a sub-range in the entire range of identifiers. The union of all tokens sums to the entirety of all identifiers (e.g., numbers) in the range of identifiers. Broadcast reliability is accomplished based on the tokens and broadcast ownership range accountability. Rather than achieve this accountability by flooding a single originator of the message with confirmations (acknowledgments) that the message was delivered to the target nodes, the task of processing the confirmations from the many nodes is shared by nodes in the collection. Thus, the result is that the originator node will receive significantly less acknowledgement traffic that furthers a goal of determining the state of reliable message broadcasting while reducing or eliminating adverse impact on performance at the originator node.
The node collection can be a part of a federation, which represents a distributed collection of nodes, where not every node necessarily knows about all of the other nodes. In general, the federation can include organizations that have established trust for shared access to a set of resources. At no time will any two nodes claim ownership of the same token. Moreover, a message destined to the nodes of a given broadcast ownership range can only be accepted only by the nodes in that broadcast range.
The nodes participating in the collection (or federation) are a sorted list using a binary relation that is reflexive, anti-symmetric, transitive, total, and defined over the domain of node identities. For example, both ends of the sorted list can be joined, thereby forming a circular topology (ring). This provides for each node in the list to view itself as being at the middle of the sorted list. Moreover, the list can be doubly linked such that a node can traverse the list in either direction. Still further, a one-to-one mapping function can be defined from the value domain of the node identities to the nodes. The ring, as associated with a federation, can include of a set of nodes that cooperate to form a dynamic and scalable network such that information can be systematically and efficiently disseminated and located.
Each node x maintains a neighborhood h of nodes (where h is an integer), where the neighborhood h overlays both sides the node x, and where n(x) denotes the set of neighbor nodes for the node x. A neighborhood edge is a node in the set n(x) that is furthest away from node x. Each node has a pair of neighborhood edges that define the neighborhood n(x). If a node y is in the set n(x) of neighbor nodes, y is referred to as being in the neighborhood of node x. If node y is closer to node x than a neighborhood edge of node x, node y is said to be within the neighborhood of node x. It is to be appreciated that it is possible for node y to be within the neighborhood of node x, but not in the neighborhood of node x, if node x is not aware of the existence of node y. For a node x, if there exists another ready node y that is within the neighborhood of node x, then node y is in the neighborhood of node x.
Each active node participating in the collection is assigned a token, which comprises a range of natural numbers, for example, that are between zero and some appropriately chosen upper bound, inclusive. The token assigned to a node functions as the node identity in the collection (e.g., a ring). Routing consistency can be achieved via assignment and ownership of tokens.
The range of identifiers encompassed by any two tokens is disjoint, as are all tokens. A token having a range of identifiers can be split into multiple tokens the range of identifiers for each when taken together comprise the entire range of the token that was split. Two or more adjacent tokens can be merged into a single token such that union of the ranges of identifiers of the two tokens is then the whole range for the resulting merged token. A node owns a token that includes at least its identifier. A routing node (intermediate), as any collection node, owns a single token.
As previously indicated, a token operation can include token splitting (as well as token creation, token merger, and token recovery). In one implementation, an initial seed node in the collection creates a valid token of all identifiers for the entire node identifier space (e.g., sixty-four nodes). Any joining node attempts to acquire its token from an existing closest routing node as the closest routing node owns the identifier for the joining node. The joining node locates the closest routing node by routing a token request message to its own identifier. When a routing node receives a token request from a non-routing node with an identifier of x, routing node splits the routing node token using the midpoint of its own identifier and x as the partition point, and transfers the token containing x to the joining node while retaining the other token. Every routing node can periodically talk to its immediate neighbor nodes so that the routing node has numerous chances to perform the splitting process.
Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.
A confirmation component 108 of the system 100 is employed to determine if the message was received by the other nodes based on the associated tokens and a broadcast ownership range. Thus, the originator node 104 can determine the reliable broadcast of its message as confirmed by the confirmation component 108.
A distinctive range of identifiers is assigned in a token that identifies nodes in a neighborhood 110. Additionally, distinctive ranges of identifiers (as tokens) identify routing nodes (e.g., a routing node (RN) 112) of the collection 102. A routing node further divides an associated token of identifiers into sub-ranges of identifiers for associated neighbors 114 and other routing node(s) 116.
A set of tokens from the associated neighbors 114 and routing partner node(s) 116 is accumulated at an intermediate (parent) node (e.g., the routing node 112) based on a broadcast range assigned to the routing node. Only nodes associated with that routing node and defined in the broadcast range can for that routing node are targeted to receive the message. The intermediate node determines if the message was received at each of the associated neighbors 114 and routing nodes 116. If all neighbor nodes 114 and routing node(s) 116 have responded with an acknowledgment of message receipt to the intermediate node (routing node 112), the intermediate node consolidates these acknowledgements into a single consolidated acknowledgement that is then sent to the originator node 104.
In other words, the originator node 104 can declare reliable broadcast of the message to all targeted nodes based on acknowledgements received from a subset of the other nodes, since the single consolidated acknowledgement represents other nodes. The confirmation component 108 receives separate acknowledgements (from the neighbors 114) and consolidated acknowledgements from the other nodes using the tokens.
The system 100 can further comprise a retry component 118 that resends the message to one or more nodes from which acknowledgements of message receipt are not received. For example, if the message receipt was not acknowledged from the routing node(s) 116, as indicated in the consolidated acknowledgement to the originator node 104, the retry component 118 cooperates with the originator node 104 to resend the message to the routing node 112. The routing node 112 then sends the message to the child routing node(s) 116. This retry can occur after a predetermined period of time (e.g., a timeout value). Moreover, the retry can be performed several times (e.g., three) before the target node is determined to be offline or inaccessible.
The originator node 202 also sends the message to routing partner nodes (RPNs) (also referred to herein as routing nodes, e.g., in
The originator node 202 creates and splits the entire range of identifiers to be assigned to nodes into multiple sub-ranges as follows: one token that covers a range of identifiers for all the nodes in the neighborhood, and one token for each routing partner that includes a distinctive range of identifiers per routing partner. The originator node 202 then sends (broadcasts) a message targeted to specific nodes or all nodes such as, for example, to each of the neighbor nodes (206 and 208) and each of the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222). The targeted neighbor nodes (206 and 208) can directly respond to the originator node 202 with an acknowledgment (Ack) response as the token that covers the neighborhood 204 when the message is received.
As part of sending the message, each of the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222) is assigned a respective broadcast range of child nodes over which to be responsible for sending the message and for which the broadcast of the message for that broadcast range is reliable. When receiving an assigned token, a routing partner can divide the token in the same way as the sending node to account for child nodes. Only nodes in the broadcast range for the routing partner are considered for receiving the message from the routing partner. If the broadcast range assigned for message broadcast is a subset of neighborhood range of identifiers in the token, the message is sent to the neighbors only.
Once an intermediate node (e.g., a routing partner node 210) receives responses from its neighbors (e.g., neighbor nodes 212) and the routing partners (e.g., routing partner nodes 214), as specified in the broadcast range, the intermediate node ensures that the assigned broadcast range is completed, and sends an Ack to the parent node (the originator node 202) that sent the message. Subsequent parent receiving nodes (on the way to the originator node 202) operate the same, except if a receiving node is the originator node 202, a completed reliable broadcast can be declared once Acks have been confirmed as received from all the targeted nodes (routing partner nodes, neighbor nodes) to which the message was sent.
In contrast to existing systems, in this scenario, any intermediate node (e.g., routing partner node) can issue a resend message (a retry) based on a timeout calculated and further based on the broadcast retry interval. The retry can be via a routed message to the middle point of the missing range, for example. Since all nodes (parent and child) do not send an Ack directly to the originator node 202, but to the parent sender, the Ack implosion problem that could otherwise occur at the sending node, does not occur.
In operation, after all tokens (and identifier ranges) have been assigned and subdivided, consider that the originator node 202 chooses to broadcast a message to its neighbor nodes (206 and 208) (denoted “Message To Neighbor”) and one or more nodes associated with the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222) (denoted “Message To Routing Partner”). As part of sending the message, the broadcast range for the neighborhood 204 and each of the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222) is also provided. Each of the neighbor nodes (206 and 208) responds with an Ack that the message was received (denoted “Ack of Receipt”). Thus, it is ensured that the neighbor nodes (206 and 208) received the message.
When the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222) receive the message, the routing partner nodes (210, 216, and 222) become sender nodes relative to corresponding child nodes, the child neighbor nodes and corresponding child routing partner nodes of the given routing partner node. Thus, the originator node 202 sends the message to the first RPN 210, and the first RPN 210 sends the message to the associated and targeted child neighbor nodes 212 and to the associated and targeted child routing partner nodes 214. Each of the neighbor nodes 212, where targeted, responds with the Ack to the first RPN 210 that the message was received. Similarly, the one or more routing targeted partner nodes 214 each also respond to the first RPN 210 with an Ack that the nodes of responsibility in the assigned broadcast range are responsive to the message receipt. The first RPN 210 then responds to the originator node 202 with a single Ack that indicates all targeted nodes in the broadcast range of responsibility for the first RPN 210 have received the message.
In other words, the originator node 202 assigns tokens to all available (accessible) nodes, which include nodes of routing partners, child nodes of routing partner nodes that are further routing partner nodes for other child nodes, and so on down the line, as well as all neighbor nodes of these RPNs.
Thus, initially, all accessible nodes are assigned tokens. It may be the case that some nodes are not online when the tokens are assigned. It may also be the case that once assigned, a node becomes inaccessible or departs the collection. Thus, these nodes will not be able to respond via the Ack that the message was received. This loss is then passed up the line though parent nodes (e.g., routing partner nodes), for example, as “holes” in the total range of tokens assigned.
Similarly, the originator node 202 sends the message to the second RPN 216, and the second RPN 216 forwards the message to the associated child neighbor nodes 218 and to the associated child routing partner nodes 220 targeted in the broadcast range. Each of the neighbor nodes 218 responds directly with the Ack to the second RPN 216 that the message was received. Similarly, the one or more routing partner nodes 220 targeted in the broadcast range also respond to the second RPN 216 with an Ack that the nodes of responsibility in the assigned broadcast range are responsive to the message receipt. The second RPN 210 then responds to the originator node 202 with a single Ack that indicates all nodes in the broadcast range of responsibility for the second RPN 216 have received the message.
Lastly, the originator node 202 sends the message to the third RPN 222, and the third RPN 222 forwards the message to the associated neighbor nodes 224 and to the associated routing partner nodes 226 identified in the assigned broadcast range. Each of the neighbor nodes 224, where available, responds with the Ack directly to the third RPN 222 that the message was received. Similarly, the one or more routing partner nodes 226 targeted in the assigned broadcast range for the third RPN 222 also respond to the third RPN 222 with an Ack that the nodes of responsibility in the assigned broadcast range are responsive to the message receipt. The third RPN 222 then responds to the originator node 202 with a single Ack that indicates all nodes for which the third RPN 222 is responsible have received the message.
Note that, as previously described, the message is broadcast from the originator node 202 to all nodes having assigned broadcast ranges. Moreover, a routing partner node can operate independently and asynchronously such that there is no set order in which the routing partner node handles associated neighbor nodes and routing partner nodes, individually, relative to other nodes, and issues the Ack (or lack thereof) to the originator node 202.
Included herein is a set of flow charts representative of exemplary methodologies for performing novel aspects of the disclosed architecture. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, for example, in the form of a flow chart or flow diagram, are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology may be required for a novel implementation.
As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of software and tangible hardware, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, tangible components such as a processor, chip memory, mass storage devices (e.g., optical drives, solid state drives, and/or magnetic storage media drives), and computers, and software components such as a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, module, a thread of execution, and/or a program. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. The word “exemplary” may be used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.
Referring now to
The computing system 700 for implementing various aspects includes the computer 702 having processing unit(s) 704, a computer-readable storage such as a system memory 706, and a system bus 708. The processing unit(s) 704 can be any of various commercially available processors such as single-processor, multi-processor, single-core units and multi-core units. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the novel methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers (e.g., desktop, laptop, etc.), hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
The system memory 706 can include computer-readable storage such as a volatile (VOL) memory 710 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and non-volatile memory (NON-VOL) 712 (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). A basic input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in the non-volatile memory 712, and includes the basic routines that facilitate the communication of data and signals between components within the computer 702, such as during startup. The volatile memory 710 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
The system bus 708 provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 706 to the processing unit(s) 704. The system bus 708 can be any of several types of bus structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), and a peripheral bus (e.g., PCI, PCIe, AGP, LPC, etc.), using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The computer 702 further includes machine readable storage subsystem(s) 714 and storage interface(s) 716 for interfacing the storage subsystem(s) 714 to the system bus 708 and other desired computer components. The storage subsystem(s) 714 can include one or more of a hard disk drive (HDD), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD), and/or optical disk storage drive (e.g., a CD-ROM drive DVD drive), for example. The storage interface(s) 716 can include interface technologies such as EIDE, ATA, SATA, and IEEE 1394, for example.
One or more programs and data can be stored in the memory subsystem 706, a machine readable and removable memory subsystem 718 (e.g., flash drive form factor technology), and/or the storage subsystem(s) 714 (e.g., optical, magnetic, solid state), including an operating system 720, one or more application programs 722, other program modules 724, and program data 726.
The one or more application programs 722, other program modules 724, and program data 726 can include the entities and components of the system 100 of
Generally, programs include routines, methods, data structures, other software components, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. All or portions of the operating system 720, applications 722, modules 724, and/or data 726 can also be cached in memory such as the volatile memory 710, for example. It is to be appreciated that the disclosed architecture can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems (e.g., as virtual machines).
The storage subsystem(s) 714 and memory subsystems (706 and 718) serve as computer readable media for volatile and non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer 702 and includes volatile and non-volatile internal and/or external media that is removable or non-removable. For the computer 702, the media accommodate the storage of data in any suitable digital format. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media can be employed such as zip drives, magnetic tape, flash memory cards, flash drives, cartridges, and the like, for storing computer executable instructions for performing the novel methods of the disclosed architecture.
A user can interact with the computer 702, programs, and data using external user input devices 728 such as a keyboard and a mouse. Other external user input devices 728 can include a microphone, an IR (infrared) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, camera recognition systems, a stylus pen, touch screen, gesture systems (e.g., eye movement, head movement, etc.), and/or the like. The user can interact with the computer 702, programs, and data using onboard user input devices 730 such a touchpad, microphone, keyboard, etc., where the computer 702 is a portable computer, for example. These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit(s) 704 through input/output (I/O) device interface(s) 732 via the system bus 708, but can be connected by other interfaces such as a parallel port, IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc. The I/O device interface(s) 732 also facilitate the use of output peripherals 734 such as printers, audio devices, camera devices, and so on, such as a sound card and/or onboard audio processing capability.
One or more graphics interface(s) 736 (also commonly referred to as a graphics processing unit (GPU)) provide graphics and video signals between the computer 702 and external display(s) 738 (e.g., LCD, plasma) and/or onboard displays 740 (e.g., for portable computer). The graphics interface(s) 736 can also be manufactured as part of the computer system board.
The computer 702 can operate in a networked environment (e.g., IP-based) using logical connections via a wired/wireless communications subsystem 742 to one or more networks and/or other computers. The other computers can include workstations, servers, routers, personal computers, microprocessor-based entertainment appliances, peer devices or other common network nodes, and typically include many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 702. The logical connections can include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network
(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), hotspot, and so on. LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communications network such as the Internet.
When used in a networking environment the computer 702 connects to the network via a wired/wireless communication subsystem 742 (e.g., a network interface adapter, onboard transceiver subsystem, etc.) to communicate with wired/wireless networks, wired/wireless printers, wired/wireless input devices 744, and so on. The computer 702 can include a modem or other means for establishing communications over the network. In a networked environment, programs and data relative to the computer 702 can be stored in the remote memory/storage device, as is associated with a distributed system. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.
The computer 702 is operable to communicate with wired/wireless devices or entities using the radio technologies such as the IEEE 802.xx family of standards, such as wireless devices operatively disposed in wireless communication (e.g., IEEE 802.11 over-the-air modulation techniques) with, for example, a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi (or Wireless Fidelity) for hotspots, WiMax, and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communications can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11x (a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wire networks (which use IEEE 802.3-related media and functions).
What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.