DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to redundancy management systems.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
The expression “Redundancy management system” used hereinafter in this specification refers to a system which monitors an active component and switches the active component to a standby component when any error occurs in the active component. The switchover happens quickly, hence there is no warm up time required.
BACKGROUND
There are many computer systems which run continuously to provide uninterrupted service. In such systems, it is essential that all the components within a system function soundly. As the components of the system are inter-dependent, the failure of a single component may result in complete system failure. Therefore, it is imperative that the system has components which virtually never fail and have little or no scheduled downtime.
Hence, to limit the aforementioned drawback there is a need in the art to provide a system that is highly reliable for continuous processing.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are aimed to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative and are listed herein below.
An object of the present disclosure is to increase system availability.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a redundancy management system that reduces system downtime.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a redundancy management system that is economical.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a redundancy management system comprising a plurality of active machine components, a plurality of standby machine components, an active server unit, a standby server unit and a monitoring server.
The plurality of active machine components and standby machine components are configured to generate query. The active server unit and a standby server unit are adapted to cooperate with the active machine components and the standby machine components to receive the query, and provide a reply to the query. The monitoring server includes a memory, a monitoring processor, an active server analyzer, an active server switch, a machine component performance identifier and a machine component switch.
The memory is configured to store a set of predetermined monitoring rules, predefined server performance rules, a predefined standard server performance score, predefined component performance rules and a predefined standard component performance score. The monitoring processor is configured to receive the predetermined monitoring rules and further configured to generate and provide monitoring commands. The active server analyzer is configured to analyze the performance of the active server based on predefined server performance rules and further configured to assign server performance score to active server. The active server switch is configured to compare the server performance score with the predefined standard server performance score to switch from the active server unit to the standby server unit if the server performance score does not match with the predefined standard server performance score. The machine component performance identifier is configured to analyze the performance of the plurality of active machine components is based on said predefined component performance rules and further configured to assign component performance score to each of active machine components. The machine component switch is configured to compare the component performance score of each of active machine components with the predefined standard component performance score to switch the active components to the standby machine components if the component performance score does not match with the predefined standard component performance score.
In an embodiment, active server unit includes a first database configured to store query data and predetermined processing rules, a first processor is configured to receive the rules from said first database and further configured to generate a first set of processing commands, a first query analyzer is configured to receive said query to generate analyzed query data and a first query answering module is configured to receive said analyzed query data and is further configured to provide reply to said query based on said stored query data.
In an embodiment, the standby server unit includes a second database is configured to store synced query data, and synced predetermined processing rules, a second processor is configured to receive the rules from the second database and is further configured to generate a second set of processing commands, a second query analyzer is configured to receive said query to generate analyzed query data and a second query answering module is configured to receive said analyzed query data and further configured to provide reply to said query based on said stored query data.
In an embodiment, the system includes a synchronization unit for synchronizing the standby server unit with the active server unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The redundancy management system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of an accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a redundancy management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a flow diagram showing steps performed by a redundancy management system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWING AND DESCRIPTION
10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n active machine components
20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n standby machine components
30 active server unit
32 a first database
34 a first processor
36 a first query analyzer
38 a first query answering module
40 standby server unit
42 a second database
44 a second processor
46 a second query analyzer
48 a second query answering module
50 a monitoring server
52 a memory
54 a monitoring processor
56 an active server analyzer
58 an active server switch
62 a machine components performance identifier
64 a machine component switch
70 a synchronization unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A redundancy management system will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the redundancy management system (100). The redundancy management system (100) comprises a plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n), a plurality of standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n), an active server unit (30), a standby server unit (40) and a monitoring server (50).
The plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and the plurality of standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) are configured to generate at least one query. In an embodiment, only active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) will generate the queries, the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) will generate the queries when the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) are not in working condition. In another embodiment, the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) ) and the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) includes terminal servers, Ethernet switches, Batch controllers, LRCS (Load Rack Computer Server)/Application Station,
TFMS (Tank Farm Management System Server) and the like.
The active server unit (30) and the standby server unit (40) are configured to cooperate with the plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and the plurality of standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) to receive the query and further configured to provide a reply to the query. In an embodiment, the standby server unit (40) will provide a reply to the query when the active server unit (30) is not in working condition.
The active server unit (30) includes a first database (32), a first processor (34), a first query analyzer (36) and a first query answering module (38).
The first database (32) is configured to store query data for providing a reply to the query and predetermined processing rules.
The first processor (34) is configured to receive the predetermined processing rules from the first database (32) and further configured to generate a first set of processing commands based on the predetermined processing rules.
The first query analyzer (36) is configured to receive the query and further processes it to generate analyzed query data.
The first query answering module (38) is configured to receive said analyzed query data from the first query analyzer (36) and is further configured to provide reply to the query based on said stored query data.
The standby server unit (40) is a mirrored server unit of the active server unit (30). A synchronization unit (70) synchronizes the standby server unit (40) with the active server unit (30). The standby server unit (40) includes a second database (42) a second processor (44), a second query analyzer (46) and a second query answering module (48).
The second database (42) is configured to store synced query data, and synced predetermined processing rules.
The second processor (44) is configured to receive the rules from the second database (42) and is further configured to generate a second set of processing commands.
The second query analyzer (46) is configured to receive the query from the active server unit (30) or the standby server unit (40) to generate analyzed query data.
The second query answering module (48) is configured to receive the analyzed query data from the second query analyzer (46) and is further configured to provide reply to said query based on said stored query data.
The monitoring server (50) is configured to cooperate with the active server unit (30) and the standby server unit (40), the plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and the plurality of standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) said monitoring server includes a memory (52), a monitoring processor (54), an active server analyzer (56), an active server switch (58), a machine component performance identifier (62) and a machine component switch (64).
The memory (52) is configured to store a set of predetermined monitoring rules, predefined server performance rules, a predefined standard server performance score, predefined component performance rules and a predefined standard component performance score. The memory (52) may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or a non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.
The monitoring processor (54) is configured to receive the predetermined monitoring rules from the memory (52) and further configured to generate and provide monitoring commands. The monitoring processor (54) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the monitoring processor (54) is configured to fetch and execute the predetermined monitoring rules stored in the memory (52).
The active server analyzer (56) is configured to analyze the performance of the active server unit (30) based on the predefined server performance rules and further configured to assign server performance score to active server unit (30). In an embodiment, the active server analyzer (56) analyses the performance of the active server unit (30) based on the individual performance of the first database (32), the first processor (34), the first query analyzer (36) and the first query answering module (38).
A pseudo-code depicting the active server analyzer (56) is configured to analyze the performance of the active server unit (30), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is now described.
• The standard values of various parameters are inputted by a server administrator:
o Standard_CPU_memory_usage= 100;
o Standard_disk_utilization =100;
o Standard_error_rate=1 error per 1000 queries;
o Standard_average_response_time=2 seconds; and
o Standard_uptime=23_hours_45_mins per day.

• The current values of various parameters are analyzed with respect to the active server unit are:

o Current_CPU_memory_usage= 75;
o Current _disk_utilization =84;
o Current _error_rate=5 error per 1000 queries;
o Current _average_response_time=1seconds; and
o Current _uptime=23_hours_47_mins per day.

The current values of various parameters are then compared with the standard values to assign a score out of 100:
• CPU_memory_usage_performance_score = [ compare (Current_CPU_memory_usage) (Standard_CPU_memory_usage) = 100];
• disk_utilization_performance_score = [compare (Current _disk_utilization ) (Standard_disk_utilization ) = 100]
• error_based_performance_score = [compare(Current_error_rate) (Standard_error_rate) = 95]
• average_response_time_score = [compare(Current _average_response_time) (Standard_average_response_time) = 100]; and
• uptime_performance_score = [ compare(Current _uptime) (Standard_uptime) = 100].

The average of various parameters with respect to active server is calculated to for defining server performance score:
Server_Performance_Score= ((CPU_memory_usage_performance_score) + (disk_utilization_performance_score) + (error_based_performance_score) + (average_response_time_score) + (uptime_performance_score)) / (no_of_parameters)
Server_Performance_Score = (100 + 95 +100)/ 3 = 98.3 (~98)

The active server switch (58) is configured to compare the server performance score of the active server unit (30) with the predefined standard server performance score to switch from the active server unit (30) to the standby server unit (40) if the server performance score does not match with the predefined standard server performance score. In an embodiment, the active server switch (58), at later stage, switches the standby server unit (40) to the active server unit (30) if the server performance score of the active server unit (30) matches with the predefined standard server performance score.
A pseudo-code depicting the active server switch (58), which is configured to switch from the active server unit (30) to the standby server unit (40), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is now described.
Define_standard_server_performance_score= 90
if (Server_Performance_Score) < (standard_server_performance_score)

{
printf (“\n Switch to Standby Server");
}
else
{
if (Server_Performance_Score) >(standard_server_performance_score)
{
printf (“\n Do not Switch to Standby Server”).
}

The machine component performance identifier (62) is configured to analyze the performance of each of the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) based on the predefined component performance rules and further configured to assign component performance score to each of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n).
A pseudo-code depicting the machine component performance identifier (62), which is configured to analyze the performance of active machine component (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) (for example an Ethernet switch), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is now described.
o The standard values of various parameters with respect to the Ethernet switch is defined by a server administrator:
o Defined_error_rate= 10 errors per 1000 switching;
o Defined_collision_rate = 20 collisions per 1000 switching; and
o Defined_processing_rate= 100 packets per second.

The current values of various parameters with respect to the Ethernet switch are:
o Current_error_rate= 20 errors per 1000 switching;
o Current_collision_rate = 40 collisions per 1000 switching; and
o Current_processing_rate= 50 packets per second.

The current values of various parameters are compared with the defined values to assign a score out of 100.
o error_based_performance_score = [compare(Current_error_rate) (Defined_error_rate)= 50];
o collision_rate_performance_score = [ compare(Current_collision_rate) (Defined_collision_rate) = 50]; and
o processing_rate_performance_score = [compare (Current_processing_rate) (Defined_processing_rate) = 50].

The average of various parameters with respect to the active machine component is calculated for defining a component performance score by using following equation:
Component_Performance_Score= [(error_based_performance_score) + (collision_rate_performance_score) + (processing_rate_performance_score)]/ (number of parameters)
Component_Performance_Score= [50 + 50 + 50]/ 350
The machine component switch (64) is configured to compare the components performance score of each of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) with the predefined standard component performance score to switch the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) to the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) if the components performance score of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) does not match with the predefined standard component performance score. In an embodiment, the machine component switch (64), at later stage, switches the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) to the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) if the components performance score of the active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) matches with the predefined standard component performance score. In another embodiment, the machine component switch (64) switches the individual active machine component which is not working properly with the standby machine component.
A pseudo-code depicting the machine component switch (64), which is configured to switches the active component to the standby machine component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is now described.

Define_standard_component_performance_score= 70
if(Component_Performance_Score) < (standard_ component _performance_score)
{printf (“\n Switch to Standby Machine Component");
}
else
{
if (Component_Performance_Score) > (standard_ component_performance_score)
{
printf (“\n Do not Switch to Standby Machine Component”).
}
Figure 2A and B illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed by the redundancy management system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method steps are as follows:
• at block 202, the method step includes generating query, by the plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n).
• at block 204, the method step includes providing reply to the query by the active server unit (30) and the standby server unit (40).
• at block 206, the method step includes, storing a set of predetermined monitoring rules, predefined server performance rules, a predefined standard server performance score, predefined component performance rules and a predefined standard component performance score by the memory (52).
• at block 208, the method step includes receiving the predetermined monitoring rules and further configured to generate and provide monitoring commands by the monitoring processor (54).
• at block 210, the method step includes analyzing the performance of the active server unit based on predefined server performance rules and further configured to assign server performance score to active server unit the active server analyzer (56).
• at block 212, the method step includes comparing the server performance score of active server unit with said predefined standard server performance score to switch from the active server unit to the standby server unit if the server performance score does not match with the predefined standard server performance score by the active server switch (58).
• at block 214, the method step includes analyzing the performance of the plurality of machine components based on said predefined component performance rules and further configured to assign component performance score to each of active machine components by the machine component performance identifier (62).
• at block 216, the method step includes comparing the component performance score of each of active machine components with said predefined standard component performance score to switch the active components to the standby machine components if the component performance score of active machine components does not match with the predefined standard component performance score by the machine component switch (64).
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of:
• a redundancy system to increase system availability
• a redundancy system to reduce system downtime
• a redundancy system to provide a system that is economical
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein above and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification, specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:1. A redundancy management system (100) comprising:
a. a plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) configured to generate query;
b. an active server unit (30) and a standby server unit (40) adapted to cooperate with said active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and said standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) to receive said query, and configured to provide a reply to said query;
c. a monitoring server (50) configured to cooperate with said active server unit (30), said standby server unit (40), said plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) and said plurality of standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n), said monitoring server (50) includes:
i. a memory (52) configured to store a set of predetermined monitoring rules, predefined server performance rules, a predefined standard server performance score, predefined component performance rules and a predefined standard component performance score ;
ii. a monitoring processor (54) configured to receive said predetermined monitoring rules and further configured to generate and provide monitoring commands;
iii. an active server analyzer (56) configured to analyze the performance of said active server based on predefined server performance rules and further configured to assign server performance score to active server;
iv. an active server switch (58) configured to compare the server performance score with said predefined standard server performance score to switch from the active server unit (30) to the standby server unit (40) if the server performance score does not match with the predefined standard server performance score;
v. a machine component performance identifier (62) configured to analyze the performance of the plurality of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) based on said predefined component performance rules and further configured to assign component performance score to each of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n); and
vi. a machine component switch (64) configured to compare the component performance score of each of active machine components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) with said predefined standard component performance score to switch the active components (10a, 10b, 10c,.......10n) to the standby machine components (20a, 20b, 20c,.......20n) if the component performance score does not match with the predefined standard component performance score.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said active server unit (30) includes:
a. a first database (32) configured to store query data and predetermined processing rules;
b. a first processor (34) configured to receive the rules from said first database (32) and further configured to generate a first set of processing commands;
c. a first query analyzer (36) configured to receive said query to generate analyzed query data; and
d. a first query answering module (38) configured to receive said analyzed query data and further configured to provide reply to said query based on said stored query data.

3. The system as claimed 1, wherein said standby server unit (40) includes:
a. a second database (42) configured to store synced query data, and synced predetermined processing rules;
b. a second processor (44) configured to receive the rules from said second database (42) and further configured to generate a second set of processing commands;
c. a second query analyzer (46) configured to receive said query to generate analyzed query data; and
d. a second query answering module (48) configured to receive said analyzed query data and further configured to provide reply to said query based on said stored query data.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system includes a synchronization unit (70) for synchronizing the standby server unit (40) with the active server unit (30).

5. A method for providing redundancy management system comprising:
a. generating query;
b. providing reply to said query;
c. storing a set of predetermined monitoring rules, predefined server performance rules, a predefined standard server performance score, predefined component performance rules and a predefined standard component performance score ;
d. receiving said predetermined monitoring rules and further configured to generate and provide monitoring commands;
e. analyzing the performance of said active server unit based on predefined server performance rules and further configured to assign server performance score to active server unit;
f. comparing the server performance score of active server unit with said predefined standard server performance score to switch from the active server unit to the standby server unit if the server performance score does not match with the predefined standard server performance score.
g. analyzing the performance of the plurality of machine components based on said predefined component performance rules and further configured to assign component performance score to each of active machine components; and
h. comparing the component performance score of each of active machine components with said predefined standard component performance score to switch the active components to the standby machine components if the component performance score of active machine components does not match with the predefined standard component performance score.