An efficient fault-tolerant tuple space

A mechanism is presented for a fault-tolerant tuple space. By augmenting the MOM model of fault tolerance, a LINDA-style system is proposed that supports failure and recovery of worker processes and tuple-space in any state. System tuple space is replicated using local tuple-space segments. Each local tuple space replicates tuples and states produced or processed by local workers. All tuple requests are handled through local tuple-space agents prior to being forwarded to a system tuple-space manager in order to update tuple states. A MOM extension to LINDA operators allows local managers to know when tuple states can be committed. In the event of a local tuple-space failure, the local tuple-space segment is reconstructed from system tuples and states associated with the failed local node. The reconstructed local tuple space is inherited by another local tuple-space. For a system tuple-space failure, system tuple space is reconstructed by interrogating local tuple space managers. Tuple replicas and states are maintained with minimal system message overhead during nonfailure operation