Consistent cluster operational data in a server cluster using a quorum of replicas

US8850018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael T. Massa · Seattle, US
• David A. Dion · Bothell, US
• Rajsekhar Das · Kirkland, US
• Rushabh Doshi · Redmond, US
• David B. Lomet · Redmond, US
• Gor Nishanov · Redmond, US
• Philip A. Bernstein · Glen Ridge, US
• Rod Gamache · Issaquah, US
• Rohit Jain · New Delhi, IN
• Sunita Shrivastava · Redmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F2201/82
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for increasing server cluster availability by requiring at a minimum only one node and a quorum replica set of replica members to form and operate a cluster. Replica members maintain cluster operational data. A cluster operates when one node possesses a majority of replica members, which ensures that any new or surviving cluster includes consistent cluster operational data via at least one replica member from the immediately prior cluster. Arbitration provides exclusive ownership by one node of the replica members, including at cluster formation, and when the owning node fails. Arbitration uses a fast mutual exclusion algorithm and a reservation mechanism to challenge for and defend the exclusive reservation of each member. A quorum replica set algorithm brings members online and offline with data consistency, including updating unreconciled replica members, and ensures consistent read and update operations.