CDN Routing Table Override for Edge Server Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DNS systems using an anycast addressing and routing methodology do not provide optimal means for accelerating content delivery, as they route requests to data centers with DNS servers rather than geographically closer edge servers that could offer better proximity and faster delivery.
Innovation Solution
Configuring a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to override the DNS system, routing client requests to geographically-proximal edge servers by generating and transmitting routing tables that map edge server IP addresses to geographic regions, allowing the CDN to determine the nearest edge server for content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DNS anycast routing is used, then requests are routed to data centers with DNS servers, but content delivery speed deteriorates due to distance from clients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a routing table as an intermediary data structure that mediates between DNS resolution and actual content delivery. The routing table contains mappings between domain names and IP addresses of edge servers, allowing the system to override default DNS routing and direct requests to geographically-proximal edge servers instead of distant data centers, thereby improving delivery speed while maintaining routing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by deploying content cache servers (edge servers) in multiple geographic locations and using routing tables to direct clients to the nearest edge server based on their location. This creates locally-optimized content delivery paths, where each region has dedicated edge servers that provide fast content delivery without requiring requests to travel to remote data centers
2Speed
If content is cached at edge servers, then content delivery speed improves, but cache management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where edge servers automatically manage their own cache contents by intercepting HTTP requests, determining whether to serve content from local cache or forward to origin servers, and automatically updating cache entries. The system also employs automated cache invalidation protocols where origin servers notify edge servers of content changes, eliminating the need for manual cache management and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops between origin servers and edge servers through cache validation mechanisms. Origin servers monitor cache performance and content changes, then provide feedback to edge servers regarding cache hit rates, content updates, and invalidation requests. This feedback system enables automated cache optimization and management, improving delivery speed while maintaining manageable complexity through data-driven decision making
3Adaptability or versatility
If developer mode is enabled, then website configuration flexibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration through a developer mode that allows runtime modification of CDN behavior without requiring system restart or complex reconfiguration. The mode enables flexible adjustment of caching parameters, routing rules, and server settings while maintaining system stability through controlled access and validation mechanisms, thus providing adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system and method for generating a data list of websites and configuring at least one server computer coupled to a communications network for an origin server website content delivery may comprise a network storage device communicatively coupled to a network and storing a routing table for a CDN, the routing table map one or more edge server IP addresses for one or more edge servers to each of one or more geographic regions. The network storage device may be configured to transmit the routing table to one or more DNS servers communicatively coupled to the network.