CDN-as-Programming Language for Edge Caching Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content delivery networks (CDNs) struggle to efficiently cache dynamic data at the edge, as existing techniques lack automatic synchronization with application changes, leading to suboptimal caching behavior and increased costs due to reliance on separate systems for CDN and application management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a CDN-as-programming language (CDN-as-JavaScript) allows developers to embed CDN rules directly into application code, enabling unified management of edge behavior and caching logic across all layers, from local development to production, using a single functional platform that interfaces with existing CDNs and edge computing networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for CDN and application management, then existing CDN caching can be maintained, but synchronization with application changes becomes manual and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CDN caching logic with application code by embedding CDN rules directly into the application source code. This integration eliminates the need for separate CDN configuration systems and manual synchronization processes, allowing caching behavior to be automatically updated whenever application code changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The application code itself manages its own caching behavior through embedded CDN rules. The system automatically propagates caching configurations to the CDN edge network without requiring external manual intervention, enabling self-service synchronization of caching policies with application changes.
2Productivity
If manual propagation of CDN changes is used, then existing CDN infrastructure can be utilized, but setup and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
CDN rules are embedded into the application code during the development phase, allowing caching configurations to be prepared and tested locally before deployment. This preliminary action ensures that when the application is deployed to production, the correct CDN caching behavior is automatically applied without requiring separate manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where changes to application code trigger automated updates to CDN caching configurations. This feedback mechanism ensures that caching policies are continuously synchronized with application changes, eliminating manual propagation delays.
3Ease of operation
If CDN rules are embedded in application code, then unified management is achieved, but development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments CDN configuration into distinct, reusable rule modules that can be independently defined and tested within the application code. This segmentation allows developers to manage complex caching logic through modular components rather than monolithic configurations, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining unified management.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling an application developer to define CDN behavior (e.g., caching rules) alongside an application program code and embedded in the same source code. The systems and methods can be used to define CDN or edge caching behavior using custom cache keys that go beyond simply using a URL. The custom cache keys and source code CDN behavior definitions can be used to enable a graphical user interface to specify traffic rules in a codeless interface. The described embodiments can be used for defining general traffic routing, to test different versions of the application or to otherwise present different versions of the application to end users, while preserving cache keys and caching behavior at the edge and throughout the application distribution layers.