CDN Edge Feature Control via Cache Key Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing and managing CDN edge functionality are costly, risky, and vulnerable to subversion, as they expose feature enablement and disablement through different URLs, allowing malicious users to bypass security measures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses cache hit and miss to control feature states at the CDN edge, employing feature control tokens to securely enable or disable features without separate manifest files for each user, thereby reducing integration costs and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different URLs are used to represent different features for CDN edge functionality, then feature enablement and disablement can be implemented, but security is compromised as malicious users can bypass security measures by using exposed URLs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (feature control tokens embedded in cache keys) that mediates between the control plane and edge nodes. Instead of directly exposing feature URLs to clients, the system uses these tokens as a secure intermediary to convey feature state information, preventing direct client access to feature configuration URLs and thereby eliminating the security vulnerability while maintaining feature adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate manifest files are created for each user to manage features, then precise feature control is achieved, but integration cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single, shared manifest file that serves all users. Feature control is achieved not through user-specific manifests but through a universal mechanism where feature state is encoded in cache keys. This allows one manifest to serve multiple purposes for different users while maintaining precise feature control, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate manifest files and reducing integration complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple URLs are used for different features, then feature differentiation is possible, but operational cost increases due to complex URL management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple feature-specific URLs into a single unified URL scheme. Instead of maintaining separate URLs for different features, the system combines all feature differentiation into a single manifest URL where feature state is controlled through cache key encoding. This consolidation reduces the number of URLs from multiple to one, simplifying operational management while preserving feature differentiation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for embedding secure feature selection at content delivery network (CDN) edge are described. In accordance with various embodiments, server(s) in a cloud receive from a client device a request for a media URL associated with a media asset. The server(s) identify feature state(s) associated with the client device and the media asset on a CDN edge node hosting the media asset. The server(s) then selectively generate a unique token or a common token specifying the feature state(s) before sending the media URL including the unique token or the common token to the client device. Upon receiving the media URL, the CDN edge node in an edge node with features deployed, determines whether the media URL causes a cache miss. Upon determining that the media URL causes the cache miss, the CDN edge node changes a feature state of a feature, applies the feature, and provides the media asset.