Content Distribution Network Cache Server Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional content distribution networks face challenges in reducing download times for client devices located far from central servers, as cache servers may not always have local copies of content items, leading to substantial overhead in tracking availability and redirecting clients to appropriate servers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provide clients with identifiers and instructions to determine which cache servers have local copies of requested content items, allowing them to download from the closest available server, thereby reducing download times and overhead by utilizing a control server to manage cache servers and client-specific cache lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If content items are downloaded from a central server, then content distribution is simplified, but download times become long for client devices located far away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized content distribution system into multiple distributed cache servers located in different geographic regions. Each cache server stores local copies of content items, allowing client devices to download from the nearest available cache server rather than a single central server, thus reducing download times while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geographic dimension to content distribution by deploying cache servers across multiple locations. This spatial distribution creates multiple download paths and reduces the distance between client devices and content sources, effectively reducing download times without significantly increasing system complexity
2Loss of time
If cache servers are used to reduce download times, then download speed improves, but tracking availability of content items creates substantial overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where client devices autonomously determine which cache servers have the requested content items. The system provides client devices with identifiers and instructions to query cache servers directly, eliminating the need for a centralized tracking system and reducing overhead on cache servers and the central server
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the central server provides client devices with a list of cache server identifiers and instructions, but does not actively track content availability. This intermediary approach allows cache servers to independently manage their content while clients autonomously determine availability, reducing the tracking overhead
3Loss of time
If cache servers store local copies of content items, then download times are reduced, but cache servers may not always have the requested content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic content distribution system where cache servers can obtain content items from other cache servers or the central server when local copies are unavailable. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing content availability, ensuring that clients can always access requested content while maintaining the performance benefits of local caching
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide content items to clients. In one implementation, a system stores data identifying a plurality of cache servers, the cache servers storing the content items for download by a plurality of clients. The system receives a request from a first one of the clients to download one of the content items. The system selects one or more of the cache servers for providing the requested content item to the first client. The system transmits identifiers of the selected one or more cache servers to the first client, and transmits instructions to the first client. The instructions are operable, when executed by the first client, to determine whether the selected one or more cache servers have a local copy of the requested content item. When the first client determines that a first one of the selected one or more cache servers has a local copy of the requested content item, the first client downloads the requested content item from the first selected cache server.