Ad Hoc Server Configuration for Dynamic Load Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Content servers often face challenges in managing high demand, leading to overload, especially in geographic locations with peak interest, which can result in delayed responses to clients and inefficiencies in server resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method is implemented where a content server periodically sends server load notifications to a DNS. If the server load exceeds a threshold, the DNS instructs the content server to set up an ad hoc server, which takes over some of the client demand, thereby preventing the original content server from becoming overloaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If content servers are deployed in fixed geographic locations to serve local clients, then client access speed is improved, but server overload occurs during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic server configuration where ad hoc servers are temporarily activated based on real-time load conditions. The DNS dynamically creates ad hoc server records when the primary content server exceeds load thresholds, and deactivates them when load decreases, transforming the static server infrastructure into a dynamic system that adapts to demand fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the server functionality by separating the primary content server from temporary ad hoc servers. When overload is detected, the system creates independent ad hoc server instances that handle specific content requests, dividing the load between multiple servers rather than overloading a single fixed server.
2Reliability
If more content servers are deployed in multiple geographic locations to handle high demand, then server overload is prevented, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing servers multi-functional by enabling them to operate as ad hoc servers when needed. Instead of requiring dedicated servers for each geographic location and demand scenario, the same server infrastructure can dynamically serve multiple roles and locations through ad hoc server creation, reducing the need for additional hardware deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of server functionality through ad hoc servers. Rather than deploying physical servers in every possible location, the system creates software-based copies that can be rapidly instantiated and distributed across the network, providing the benefits of multiple servers without the full cost of physical deployment.
3Reliability
If ad hoc servers are activated to handle peak demand, then server overload is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the DNS automatically monitors server load conditions and triggers ad hoc server creation without manual intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing load metrics against thresholds and autonomously configuring ad hoc servers when needed, reducing the complexity of manual server management while maintaining reliable load balancing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized method configures and uses ad hoc servers to serve content. A content server configured to serve a content dataset periodically provides a current server load notification to a domain name server (DNS). Upon detecting that a current load of the content server exceeds a server load threshold, the DNS sends a new server setup notification to the content server. The content server then identifies an ad hoc server and performs a content service handover to the identified ad hoc server. Upon completion of the content service handover, the content server provides a new server notification to the DNS indicating that the identified ad hoc server is ready to serve the content dataset. The DNS is thereby enabled to divert client requests for the content dataset to the ad hoc server during the period that the current load of the content server exceeds the server load threshold.