Content Delivery Network Edge Server Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks struggle to provide customized content to users while maintaining identical copies across servers, especially when not managed by the content provider, as customization increases delivery costs and complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows content providers to define customization programs embedded in user requests, which are executed by content delivery servers to modify content objects in real-time during delivery, enabling personalized content delivery without requiring identical copies across servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is customized under control of the content provider from delivery points, then content customization is achieved, but delivery cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the customization function from the content provider's control environment and relocates it to the delivery network's edge servers. This allows customization to be performed at the delivery point rather than requiring content provider control, thereby reducing delivery costs while maintaining customization capability. The edge servers independently execute customization logic without needing continuous content provider involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary customization module at the edge location that acts as a mediator between the content provider and the end user. This intermediary performs the customization function locally, eliminating the need for expensive content provider-controlled delivery points while still achieving the desired content adaptation. The intermediary executes customization rules and delivers customized content without requiring content provider direct control.
2Speed
If identical copies of content are stored at each server location, then content delivery performance is optimized, but content customization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the content delivery system dynamic by allowing edge servers to transform identical base copies into customized versions on-demand. Instead of storing multiple static customized versions, the system dynamically adapts the content at the edge location based on user-specific requirements. This dynamic approach maintains the performance benefit of having base copies at edge servers while enabling customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content delivery process into two stages: (1) distribution of identical base content copies to edge servers for performance optimization, and (2) localized customization at the edge server close to the user. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve fast delivery through distributed identical copies and customization through local modification capabilities at the edge location.
3Loss of energy
If content delivery network is managed by service provider rather than content provider, then operational cost is reduced, but customization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the service provider's edge servers to perform customization autonomously without requiring content provider control. The edge servers execute customization logic locally using user information and predefined rules, making the system self-sufficient. This self-service approach allows service providers to manage customized content delivery independently, reducing operational costs while maintaining customization capability without increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Objects in a content delivery network are modified at delivery to users. Individual content servers include copies of the content objects and receive requests from users for a copy of the object. The request includes a program from the content provider on how the content object is to be modified at delivery to the user. The program is executed on delivery of the object to provide the user with a modified content object. Modification can occur as the content is delivered from the content server to the user.