DNS Query Routing Logic for CDN Point of Presence Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Content providers and CDN service providers face challenges in efficiently managing DNS queries and resource requests across geographically distributed POP locations, leading to strain on computing resources and potential delays in content delivery.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that selects computing devices for DNS query processing and resource caching based on geographic criteria, performance thresholds, and testing criteria, using logic to route DNS queries and resource requests through a content delivery network, including the use of alternative resource identifiers and CNAME records to optimize delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a CDN service provider maintains multiple computing devices in geographically distributed POP locations, then content delivery efficiency and latency are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CDN system is segmented into multiple independent POP locations distributed geographically. Each POP operates as a semi-autonomous unit with its own computing devices, allowing localized content delivery while reducing overall system complexity through modular architecture. This segmentation enables parallel processing of DNS queries across different POPs without requiring centralized coordination for every operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized management system acts as an intermediary between the distributed POP locations and the content delivery process. This management system coordinates DNS query routing, monitors performance metrics, and manages resource allocation across POPs, thereby simplifying the operational complexity of the distributed architecture while maintaining high delivery speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If DNS queries are routed through multiple POP locations, then content delivery latency is reduced, but the strain on computing resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery latencyVSAvoidcomputing resource strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The DNS query routing system dynamically adjusts the path of queries based on real-time performance metrics and resource availability. The management system monitors response times, error rates, and computing resource utilization at each POP, then dynamically routes queries to the most appropriate POP, optimizing the balance between delivery speed and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as POP selection criteria, routing policies, and resource allocation thresholds based on monitored performance data. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the trade-off between reducing delivery latency and minimizing computing resource strain under varying network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple computing devices are used for content delivery, then service reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring performance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidperformance measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized management system performs multiple functions including performance monitoring, load balancing, security management, and resource allocation across all POP locations. This multi-functional approach consolidates measurement and detection operations that would otherwise be distributed and difficult to coordinate, thereby simplifying performance measurement while maintaining high reliability through redundant computing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Speed

If resource requests are processed at geographically distant POPs, then content delivery speed is improved, but the complexity of managing DNS queries increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery speedVSAvoidDNS query management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DNS query management function is segmented and distributed to individual POP locations, where each POP autonomously handles queries for its local region. This distribution eliminates the need for complex centralized coordination while maintaining fast local processing, as each POP independently manages its own query routing without requiring constant communication with central management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20190044787A1Point of presence management in request routing
Publication Date: 2019.02.07 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US20190044787A1 patent drawing
  • US20190044787A1 patent drawing
  • US20190044787A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for the management of client computing device DNS queries and subsequent resource requests within a content delivery network service provider domain are provided. The management of the DNS queries can include the selection of computing devices corresponding to various Point of Presence locations for processing DNS queries. Additionally, the management of the content requests can include the selection of computing devices corresponding to resource cache components corresponding to various Point of Presence locations for providing requested content. The selection of the computing devices can incorporate logic related to geographic criteria, testing criteria, and the like.