Dynamic cache selection method and system

Abstract

Nodes, computer software and methods for selecting resources [20] available from a plurality of caches [14] connected in a communication network [80]. The method comprises receiving a request for said resource [20] from a user [18]; identifying one or more caches [14a, 14b, 14c] of said plurality of caches [14] storing said resource [20]; determining a total cost associated with a path between said user [18] and each of said one or more caches [14] storing said resource [20], said the total cost includes a static cost [Cf] reflecting the topology of said communication network [80] and a dynamic cost [Δ] indicating a changing state of said communication network [80]; and a minimum total cost based on a buffer [14a] from One or more caches [14a, 14b, 14c] storing said resource [20] select said one cache [14a].

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to systems, software and methods, and more particularly to mechanisms and techniques for dynamically selecting a cache with desired content. Background technique [0002] The development of social networks and content delivery networks (CDNs, which are used herein to cover both content delivery and content distribution networks) has been dramatic over the past few years. More and more people prefer to connect with peers or friends via social networks or download content via CDNs. Content types include Web objects, downloadable objects (media files, software, documents), applications, real-time media streams, and other components of Internet delivery (DNS, routing, and database queries). [0003] Advances in handheld devices (mostly mobile phones) have made the process of downloading content from CDNs a common task for many users. However, as discussed next, there is a limit to the capacity of the CDN to intelli...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] Another problem with existing CDNs is that, while there are several proactive end-to-end probing methods (a common technique for characterizing the capabilities of a network link or path), and new methods are continuously being developed and refined, the Applications of benefit often require more knowledge than just end-to-end estimation

Another problem is that there is no clear agreement on how to maintain and aggregate measurement data from several sources

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