Cache Manager Software Agent Network Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current software distribution methods across network elements lead to inefficient use of network resources and storage on client machines due to redundant uploads of software applications, as each network element with a different URL requires separate uploads of software versions, even if the versions are already present on the client machines.
Innovation Solution
A cache manager software agent is installed on client machines to identify and manage software versions by comparing build numbers, preventing unnecessary uploads and deleting old versions, using a web server to communicate build number identifiers and employing modules for simultaneous download detection and auto cleanup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are uploaded from each network element to client machines, then all client machines can access the software, but network load increases and storage efficiency decreases due to redundant uploads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the software distribution function across all network elements into a centralized cache manager on the client machine. Instead of each network element independently uploading software, the cache manager consolidates software from multiple network elements and maintains a local cache, eliminating redundant network transmissions while preserving software accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache manager performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching software applications on the client machine before they are needed. This allows the system to prepare software in advance, reducing the need for repeated uploads from network elements and decreasing overall network load.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are uploaded from each network element to client machines, then all client machines can access the software, but storage efficiency on client machines decreases due to redundant copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple software copies into a single consolidated cache on the client machine. The cache manager combines software from multiple network elements into one unified storage location, eliminating redundant copies while maintaining the ability to access software from any network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache manager creates a single local copy of software applications on the client machine, which then serves as the source for all software needs. This single copy replaces multiple redundant copies that would otherwise be created by independent uploads from each network element.
3Loss of energy
If the cache manager compares build numbers to prevent redundant uploads, then network efficiency improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cache manager implements a feedback mechanism by comparing build numbers of cached software with available software from network elements. This feedback loop allows the system to intelligently determine whether software needs to be updated or can be reused, optimizing network efficiency without requiring complex decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses build numbers as a simple parameter to track software versions. By changing the parameter from complex software comparison to simple numerical version comparison, the system achieves network efficiency while keeping the implementation relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and a method are described for providing efficient software distribution and cache management on a plurality of client machines in a network. In one embodiment of the invention, a cache management software agent is installed on one or more client machines to monitor a status of software versions stored locally on the machines. The cache management software agent performs a check before uploading a matching version of a large software application from a network element in order to determine whether the upload is appropriate. In particular, the agent identifies whether a matching version of the application is already present on the client machine to see if the upload is necessary. If a matching version of the application is not resident on the machine, then the latest version of the large software application is uploaded to the client machine from the network element.