초록 ▼

A system and method for automatic election a representative node within a communication network with built-in redundancy. In a communication network where data is distributed from a central location to multiple nodes, the present invention enables one of the nodes to be automatically identified as a

A system and method for automatic election a representative node within a communication network with built-in redundancy. In a communication network where data is distributed from a central location to multiple nodes, the present invention enables one of the nodes to be automatically identified as a master of the nodes for retrieving data from the central location and then transmitting the data to all peer nodes interested in receiving the data. No manual intervention or pre-operation designation of a master is required within the present invention. As such, repetitive requests for information by individual nodes are eliminated, and the volume of network traffic is thereby significantly localized. Hence, the performance of the network is greatly enhanced. Furthermore, rather than arbitrarily preassigning particular node(s) to serve as a master, the present invention provides an automated process by which a new master is dynamically elected whenever an existing master fails or none exists. Therefore, the present invention provides built-in redundancy which greatly improves the reliability of network communications.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A computer implemented method for arbitrating among nodes within a communication network having a plurality of client nodes communicatively coupled together, said method comprising the steps of:a) a first client node broadcasting a first message to said nodes in response to an absence of master n

1. A computer implemented method for arbitrating among nodes within a communication network having a plurality of client nodes communicatively coupled together, said method comprising the steps of:a) a first client node broadcasting a first message to said nodes in response to an absence of master node-initiated messages during a predetermined time period, said first message for identifying a viable master node in said communication network, said first client node initiating an election process for dynamically electing a new master node from among said plurality of client nodes only when no response is received from an existing master node to said first message, said election process comprising the steps of: a1) said first client node broadcasting a first master negotiate request (MNR) message to said plurality of client nodes; a2) provided that said first client node does not receive a message in response to said MNR message from a second client node, said first client node asserting itself as said new master node; and a3) provided that said first client node does receive a message in response to said MNR message from a second client node, comparing resources of said first client node to resources of said second client node, wherein results of said comparing are used to select said new master node; and b) in response to said step a) wherein said new master node is selected, said new master node periodically broadcasting heartbeat messages to said plurality of client nodes.