Content Designation Optimization for CDN Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunications operators face challenges in guaranteeing consistent quality for the delivery of emerging content, especially across intercontinental links, due to increasing internet traffic driven by online video content and non-PC devices, which existing Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for designating content delivery via multiple interconnected CDNs, determining transport, caching, or hybrid designation options based on normalized resource requirements and performance levels, using an optimization function to select the best option for content delivery, including determining sets of nodes and links for transporting or storing content to optimize resource consumption and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is transported from entrance node to edge nodes via CDN, then content delivery is enabled, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores multiple transport paths and caching options before content delivery is needed. The system determines sets of transport designation options, caching designation options, and hybrid designation options in advance, so that when content needs to be delivered, the optimization has already been performed and resources are not wasted on real-time calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic content designation that adapts to changing network conditions and content characteristics. The optimization function can select different designation options (transport, caching, or hybrid) based on current resource availability, content popularity, and delivery requirements, making the system flexible rather than static
2Speed
If content is cached at edge nodes, then delivery speed improves, but storage resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different caching strategies to different content and different edge nodes based on local conditions. The optimization function determines specific sets of edge nodes for caching based on content characteristics, predicted popularity, and local resource availability, rather than uniformly caching all content at all nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of content from pure transport to cached storage based on optimization criteria. The system dynamically adjusts the designation parameter (transport vs. caching vs. hybrid) based on factors like content popularity, storage capacity, and delivery performance requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnected CDNs are used, then content delivery coverage improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal content designation system that works across multiple interconnected CDNs. The optimization function and designation methodology are designed to be applicable across different CDN providers and network configurations, providing a standardized approach that simplifies the complexity of interconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optimization function that mediates between multiple CDN providers. This optimization layer manages the complexity of interconnection by automatically determining transport, caching, and hybrid designation options across CDN boundaries, shielding content providers and consumers from the underlying complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If expert judgement is used for content positioning, then implementation is simple, but optimization precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors content delivery performance, resource consumption, and network conditions, then uses this information to refine future designation decisions. The optimization function learns from past performance to improve positioning precision over time while maintaining automated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designating a class of data content for determining how the content will be handled by a content delivery network (CDN) into one of: a transport designation by which content is transported from an entrance node to one or more edge nodes; a caching designation by which the content is stored at one or more edge nodes; and a hybrid designation by which content is stored at a node in the CDN for subsequent transport to one or more edge nodes in the CDN, the method comprising: determining a set of one or more transport designation options; determining a set of one or more caching designation options; determining a set of one or more hybrid designation options; determining a normalised measure resource requirement for each of the transport, caching and hybrid designation options; and selecting one designation option for the class of content from all of the transport, caching and hybrid designation options by an optimisation function for selecting the designation option based on the determined normalised resource requirement for each option.