CDN Dispatching via BRAS Key Lookup for Dynamic IP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispatching methods based on IP address information are ineffective in CDN networks where user terminal IP addresses are dynamically assigned, making it impossible to determine geographic locations and thus infeasible for service dispatching.

Innovation Solution

A dispatching method that involves obtaining key information from a management system associated with the user terminal's address information to identify a corresponding node, using BRAS key information to determine the user's geographical area and redirect requests to a nearby CDN node for service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional IP address-based dispatching method is used, then service dispatching can be implemented in static IP networks, but it becomes infeasible when user terminals have dynamically assigned IP addresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability of dispatching methodVSAvoideffectiveness of geographic location identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces BRAS (Broadband Remote Access Server) as an intermediary component between the user terminal and the CDN dispatching system. The BRAS maintains a binding relationship between the dynamically assigned IP address and the user's geographic location information. When a request arrives, the dispatching system queries the BRAS for the location information associated with the IP address, enabling accurate geographic identification despite dynamic IP assignment. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to dynamic IP scenarios while maintaining reliable location-based dispatching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic IP address assignment is used in operator networks, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but geographic location distinction becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidgeographic location information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the BRAS establish and maintain a binding relationship between the dynamically assigned IP address and the user's geographic location information before the actual service request occurs. This pre-establishment of the IP-Location mapping allows the dispatching system to retrieve accurate location information when needed, preventing the loss of geographic information despite the dynamic nature of IP assignment. The BRAS acts as a database that preserves this critical information in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If IP/Mask approach is adopted for dispatching, then simple implementation is achieved, but it cannot distinguish geographic locations when IP addresses are dynamically assigned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidgeographic location identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces BRAS as an intermediary that maintains a binding relationship between dynamically assigned IP addresses and geographic location information. When a dispatching request arrives, the system queries the BRAS to obtain the location information associated with the IP address, enabling accurate geographic identification without requiring complex IP/Mask configurations. This intermediary approach maintains implementation simplicity while significantly improving location identification accuracy in dynamic IP environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2190168B1Dispatching method, dispatching apparatus and dispatching system
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2190168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2190168B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2190168B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A dispatching method, a dispatching apparatus and a dispatching system are disclosed according to embodiments of the present invention. The dispatching method includes receiving a request initiated by a user terminal, where the request carries address information of the user terminal; obtaining the address information carried in the request and obtaining key information of an access server associated with the address information; searching for a corresponding node based on the key information of the access server and treating the node as a redirected serving node. A dispatching apparatus and a dispatching system are also disclosed according to embodiments of the present invention. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention may well solve the dispatching issue and has a more flexible application.