WO2000031651A1 - System and method for transmitting locally held information in a loosely coupled multiprocessor system - Google Patents
System and method for transmitting locally held information in a loosely coupled multiprocessor system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000031651A1 WO2000031651A1 PCT/SE1999/002167 SE9902167W WO0031651A1 WO 2000031651 A1 WO2000031651 A1 WO 2000031651A1 SE 9902167 W SE9902167 W SE 9902167W WO 0031651 A1 WO0031651 A1 WO 0031651A1
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- Prior art keywords
- probe
- processor
- worker
- administrative
- values
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
- G06F9/54—Interprogram communication
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to loosely coupled multiprocessor systems and is particularly associated with the task of transferring locally held information between a plurality of processors and a central or administrative processor in such a loosely coupled system.
- the invention may be applied within the field of mobile telephone systems, whereby a plurality of counter values are to be updated and processed.
- Multiprocessor systems are typically divided into two main classes:
- a first class denoted closely coupled systems, refer to systems in which shared memory 0 resources are accessible from a plurality of processors.
- a second class denoted loosely coupled systems, refers to systems in which a plurality of processors associated with local memory resources is interconnected in a network.
- the individual processors are adapted to obtain information held in the memory associ- 5 ated with other processors by requesting this information from the particular processors in question.
- An example of such a loosely coupled system is for instance known from US-A-5 390 316 which deals with the operation and configuration of computer system consoles in a multi-computer complex.
- An essential problem addressed in this document is the simultaneous access of and sharing of data among a plurality of users in a computer system complex.
- the system according to the above document is provided with a mechanism for message delivery and redelivery in a controlled manner through the use of distributed shared memory.
- Switching systems for telecommunication networks is another example of systems, which involves controlling a vast number of operations simultaneously.
- the Ericsson TM digital switch AXE 10 TM is an example of a complete network system which serves to interconnect networks such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network, PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) and a business communications network.
- ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
- PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
- PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
- the hardware scheme of the AXE 10 has been sketched in figure 1 and comprises the following elements: A switching hardware section, APT, a number of regional processors, RP, being connected to the switching hardware APT, an administrative processor complex CP, and a set of support processors, SP, these being coupled by means of a regional processor bus, RPB.
- Each respective processor is associated with local shared memory, which can be addressed by other processors.
- the regional processors, RP control the switching hardware APT and deals with routine tasks in the network, such as performing the individual channel connections in the network and such as performing digital / analogue signal conversion.
- the administrative processor complex, CP controls the overall functioning of the digital switch and handles complex decision making tasks, which can be characterised as being mainly of an analytical or administrative nature.
- the support processors, SP handle man machine interface, file management and data communication tasks. For this reason, the support processors are coupled via a LAN (Local Area Network) to a man-machine communication subsystem comprising equipment such as, PC, printer, hard disk and data link.
- OMS operation and management subsystem
- OMS operational parameters, such as new subscriber data, exchange data etc. of the system can be updated.
- NMS network management system
- FMS file management system
- FMS file management system based on a mass storage system such as a hard disk is coupled to the LAN.
- OMS Under the operational and management system, OMS, a statistics and traffic measure- ment subsystem, STS (not shown) collects, stores, process and presents measurement data, such as traffic flow and network performance. Also, a charging subsystem, CHS (not shown), responsible for the charging of subscribers calls, is provided under the OMS.
- CHS Charging subsystem
- locally held counters relating to the traffic are read at specific intervals and stored in a measurement database, such that the traffic flow can be monitored and such that detailed information about each charged call can be established.
- This information is downloaded on the file management system, FMS, for later transferral to external billing centres.
- some of the collected data are typically of a statistical nature and are based on the summation of cumulated values.
- PLMN public land mobile networks
- switch which the above mentioned switch is adapted to function in conjunction with
- data are in many cases transmitted between and stored at many local base station processors which are associated with the regional processors.
- the task of collecting these data becomes complex, when a mobile end station, MES is travelling through more cells, because data have to be transported from the base stations associated with the cells to for instance the file management system, FMS.
- This activity involves a plurality of administrative messages being transmitted in the network, which activity is taking up capacity. Consequently, the capacity relating to transmitting messages between end terminals, such as telephone calls being transmitted on the network between regional processors are reduced accordingly.
- the present invention is belonging to the class of loosely coupled systems and is particularly directed to a multiprocessor system in which data can be transferred between an administrative processor and a plurality of worker processors.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a multiprocessor system and a method therefor for gathering counter values, which are held in respective local worker processors and which are updated or incremented locally under the control of the local worker processor, and for subsequently performing a central updating or accumulation of the gathered counter values in an administrative processor. This object should be performed having regard to substantially limiting or obviating transmitting redundant messages on the network.
- the data held in the worker processors may not exclusively concern counters which are to be incremented but may concern other types of data, such as log files or other data which is accumulated over time. It should also be noted that many different types of data counters may be involved, and that specific types of counters or data may be assigned or created on a particular processor or deleted.
- the invention may be applied within the field of mobile telephone systems, although the present invention is not in any way limited to such systems.
- the present invention defines a multiprocessor system, which enables information held locally on worker processors to be transferred to an administrative processor while sub- stantially reducing or entirely obviating transmitting redundant messages on the network, thereby providing more capacity for other purposes.
- Fig. 1 shows a known so called digital switch, which, among other things, can be used in conjunction with a land mobile telephone network.
- Fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the data-structures being involved for a preferred first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 3 shows a flow-chart of a first routine according to a first preferred embodiment being implemented on the worker processor.
- Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a second routine according to a first preferred embodiment being implemented on the administrative processor.
- Fig. 5 shows a handshake diagram relating to the first and second routines shown on figs. 3 and 4.
- Fig. 6 shows a flow-chart of a third routine according to a second preferred embodiment being implemented on the worker processor.
- Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a fourth routine according to a second preferred embodi- ment being implemented on the administrative processor.
- Fig. 8 shows a handshake diagram relating to the third and fourth routines shown on figs. 6 and 7.
- the present invention is adapted to be implemented in a processor complex whose physical outline resembles the digital switch shown in fig. 1 , that is, a processor complex comprising an administrative processor, AP, and a number of worker processors, WP1 , WP2, WPn being interconnected by means of a network.
- a processor complex comprising an administrative processor, AP, and a number of worker processors, WP1 , WP2, WPn being interconnected by means of a network.
- the term administrative processor corresponds to the term support processor
- worker processor corresponds to the term regional processor as discussed in connection with the digital switch shown in fig. 1.
- administrative processor also covers a processor complex, such as a set of processors operating in parallel. It should furthermore be understood that local memory resources, such as random access memory, RAM, are associated with the administrative processor and the respective worker processors.
- processor complex such as a set of processors operating in parallel.
- local memory resources such as random access memory, RAM, are associated with the administrative processor and the respective worker processors.
- WP1 and WP2 there is stored a number of values, which may continuously be updated or incremented according to certain programs run on the respective worker processor.
- a probe is a data-structure, which is used in the worker processors and in the administrative processor.
- the probe data-structure may be arranged so as to comprise the following entities:
- the probe-id identifies the type of probe.
- the probe value associated with the probe-id can be an integer value for use as a counter, which for instance is adapted to be incremented, or it may be any other value, which is to be changed over time. It can also be a file, such as a log file referring to a cumulative list of events.
- probes or probe-id's may be assigned.
- new probes may be assigned, and still other probes may be deleted, i.e. cease to exist.
- a measurement instance is a data-structure, which is used, in the administrative processor, AP.
- the measurement instance data-structure may comprise the following entities:
- probe-id measurement value; worker registration; probe-links (II)
- the probe-id identifies the measurement instance and corresponds to a certain type of probe-id.
- the measurement value could for instance relate to the cumulative value of the probe values relating to a given type of probe, i.e. probe-id.
- the worker registration is a list of worker processors, on which a given type of probe cur- rently exists.
- the probe link corresponding to a given probe type comprises a link of all the probes which currently exist, whereby each individual probe link could comprise the following entities:
- the processor-id identifies the respective worker processor and the probe value represents a copy of the corresponding probe value on the respective worker processor
- respective probes, I existing on the respective worker processors, WP1 and WP2, have been illustrated.
- WP1 probe types a - c; e exist, while probe types a; d - f exist on WP2.
- Probes, I for which no value has been assigned, have been shown by means of dotted lines.
- measurement instances, II have been indicated on the administrative processor, AP, comprising links, III, of probes, I, and it has been indicated by way of example, that a measurement instance, II, comprises probe links whose individual probe values correspond to probe values on the respective registered worker processors, WP1 and WP2.
- AP administrative processor
- WP1 and WP2 registered worker processors
- probe types d - i have been shown on the administrative processor AP, but it should be understood that the list would also include at least probe types a - c and that the list could be much longer.
- the administrative processor is assumed being coupled to an external processor as explained above, but it should be understood that the control tasks of the external processor might be implemented on the administrative processor instead.
- each respective worker processor performs computations and registers events which cause the individual probe values being stored on the local memory asso- ciated with the worker processor to be updated.
- This locally executed routine also denoted as the first notification routine, running on the respective worker processors has been shown in fig. 3.
- a first routine in the worker processor ensures that the administrative processor is notified that a probe is created on the respective worker processor, step 2.
- the administrative processor then registers the given type of probe as existing on the worker processor and requests the current probe value from the worker processor.
- the worker processor is continuously carrying out possible changes in probe values, step 3.
- step 4 the worker carries on to step 5, in which the worker processor re- quests the administrative processor to de-register the probe in question.
- the administrative processor on the other hand, continuously keeps a record of which probe types currently exist on the various worker processors in the worker registration mentioned above.
- step 1 When a need to update or monitor a certain type of probe value occurs, step 1 , a request for a measurement is made, step 2. That is, the probe values corresponding to a certain probe type is requested from those workers, which have been registered according to the first routine mentioned above, steps 3 and 4. Subsequently, the probe values in question are delivered, step 5.
- the current accumulative probe values are stored on the administrative processor and the corresponding measurement values are calculated and stored in the measurement instance (II) on the administrative processor, c.f. item 5). Subsequently, a response is issued from the administrative processor to the network management system, 6).
- This mechanism has the effect that considerable improvements with regard to avoiding communicating redundant messages on the network are accomplished.
- probes may be requested de-registered on the administrative processor, 7), and subsequently registered, 8).
- probe values can be written back to the worker processors in case that one or more worker processor should loose the content of the local memory. This has been shown in the lower part of fig. 5, where a restart, c.f. item 9), has been performed on the worker processor, causing all probe values and registrations to be deleted.
- Some types of applications may have a burst like character of changing probe values interrupted by longer periods of inactivity.
- the second embodiment of the present invention is a further development of the first embodiment and seeks to optimise the performance with regard to the above pattern of burst like changing values.
- the data-structures used in this implementation are similar to the above, except that the data-structure relating to the probe links stored in the memory associated with the administrative processor and the data-structure on the worker processor are modified. Reference should be made to fig. 2.
- the data-structure on the worker processor is having the following configuration:
- the timer value is simply a counter which is incremented according to the time and which is adapted to be compared with a predetermined time-out value.
- the data-structure on the administrative processor, the probe link is having the following configuration according to the second embodiment:
- the probe state can assert either an active or in-active state and serves to indicate whether the timer value has exceeded the time-out value without the probe value having been changed. This condition serves to indicate whether it is unlikely that the probe value in question on a certain worker processor will change again.
- the measurement instance according to the second embodiment of the invention is identical to the measurement instance II defined according to the first embodiment.
- a second notification routine executed on the local worker processors has been shown in fig. 6. This routine corresponds largely to the first notification routine shown on fig. 3 with the exception that a timeout feature has been incorporated in step 3.
- step 3 it is established whether the time since last change in probe value exceeds a certain predetermined interval. If this is the case, the state of the probe is marked as inactive and the current probe value is transferred to the administrative processor.
- the above transferral may involve that the administrative processor is reading the current value, when the administrative processor receives the information that the probe in question has been marked in-active. Should changes occur again within the predetermined interval, the state of the probe is marked active.
- a second updating routine is executed on the administrative processor.
- probe values are only transferred from those probes which are both registered and active. This is undertaken in step 3.
- probe values which have not changed within the predetermined interval, will not be transferred to the administrative processor.
- the second notification and updating routines For probes, which change in a burst like manner the second notification and updating routines have the effect that the traffic relating to transferring probe values, which have not changed for a predetermined period of time - and which are therefore not deemed likely to change in the near future - are not acquired.
- This mechanism accomplishes savings with regard to issuing administrative messages on the network.
- This figure exemplifies the communication between two worker processors, WP1 and WP2, and an administrative processor, AP, and a network management system, NMS.
- an event c.f. item 1
- an event causes probes, corresponding to a certain probe type to be created and values to be stored at the two worker processors. Subsequent requests are issued to the administrative processor so as to register the probes, 2). Both probes are active because, the changes have been performed within the predetermined interval for marking them active.
- an event, 3 in the network management system, NMS, triggers the administrative processor AP to retrieve the respective active probe values from the first and the second worker processor, and subsequently store these values on the administrative processor, 4) - 9).
- a measurement value is subsequently calculated, 10), on the basis of these probe values and transferred to the network management system.
- the probe value on the first worker processor WP1 experiences a timeout; i.e. the probe value has not been updated within the predetermined interval. Consequently, the first worker processor WP1 issues a request to the administrative processor so as to mark the probe in-active, 11), and the current probe value is then transferred to the administrative processor, in which it is stored, 12).
- the first worker processor experiences a down-break, which causes probe values to be lost on the worker processor, 13 - 15).
- a re-write procedure is then undertaken corresponding to the re-write procedure ex- plained in connection with fig. 5. This involves that the stored probe value transferred to the worker processor WP1 and the probe is marked active, 15) - 16).
- the worker processor is again ready to carry out changes in values, which for instance could be incremented.
- probe values could be performed immediately, and subse- quently be incremented with the probe value passed from the administrative processor, AP.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU20115/00A AU2011500A (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-23 | System and method for transmitting locally held information in a loosely coupledmultiprocessor system |
JP2000584400A JP2002530779A (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-23 | System and method for transferring locally held information in a loosely coupled multiprocessor system |
EP99963742A EP1157342A1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-23 | System and method for transmitting locally held information in a loosely coupled multiprocessor system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE9804027A SE518492C2 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1998-11-24 | System and method for transmitting locally stored information in a computer complex |
SE9804027-2 | 1998-11-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2000031651A1 true WO2000031651A1 (en) | 2000-06-02 |
Family
ID=20413397
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE1999/002167 WO2000031651A1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-23 | System and method for transmitting locally held information in a loosely coupled multiprocessor system |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1157342A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002530779A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1118763C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011500A (en) |
SE (1) | SE518492C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000031651A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0105667A1 (en) * | 1982-09-21 | 1984-04-18 | Xerox Corporation | Filtered inputs |
EP0132158A2 (en) * | 1983-07-21 | 1985-01-23 | Unisys Corporation | Method of performing a sequence of related activities in multiple independent digital processors |
EP0205948A2 (en) * | 1985-06-17 | 1986-12-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Distributed data management mechanism |
WO1996007277A2 (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-03-07 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Location updating in a mobile communication system |
-
1998
- 1998-11-24 SE SE9804027A patent/SE518492C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1999
- 1999-11-23 EP EP99963742A patent/EP1157342A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-11-23 CN CN 99813685 patent/CN1118763C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-11-23 AU AU20115/00A patent/AU2011500A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-11-23 JP JP2000584400A patent/JP2002530779A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-11-23 WO PCT/SE1999/002167 patent/WO2000031651A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0105667A1 (en) * | 1982-09-21 | 1984-04-18 | Xerox Corporation | Filtered inputs |
EP0132158A2 (en) * | 1983-07-21 | 1985-01-23 | Unisys Corporation | Method of performing a sequence of related activities in multiple independent digital processors |
EP0205948A2 (en) * | 1985-06-17 | 1986-12-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Distributed data management mechanism |
WO1996007277A2 (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-03-07 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Location updating in a mobile communication system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2002530779A (en) | 2002-09-17 |
SE518492C2 (en) | 2002-10-15 |
EP1157342A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
SE9804027L (en) | 2000-05-25 |
SE9804027D0 (en) | 1998-11-24 |
CN1118763C (en) | 2003-08-20 |
AU2011500A (en) | 2000-06-13 |
CN1328670A (en) | 2001-12-26 |
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