Client-to-Client Data Distribution via Independent Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for distributing large amounts of data from a server to multiple clients over a network face limitations due to bandwidth constraints, particularly evident when transferring high-resolution data, leading to prolonged transfer times even with a lower number of clients, as the network bandwidth and server performance become bottlenecks.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a method where the server transfers data to one client, which then forwards it to other clients using independent communication links, thereby utilizing the full bandwidth of each link and reducing the burden on the network interconnect, allowing for increased aggregate bandwidth and faster data distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is transferred from server to multiple clients simultaneously through a single network connection, then all clients can receive data, but the transfer time becomes excessively long due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata distribution speedVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data distribution process into two stages: first distributing data from server to intermediate clients, then having those clients forward data to other clients. This segmentation allows the server to serve multiple clients in parallel rather than sequentially, reducing overall transfer time while maintaining comprehensive data distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate clients that act as mediators between the server and final clients. These intermediate clients receive data from the server and then redistribute it to other clients, effectively multiplying the available bandwidth and reducing the bottleneck effect of the single network connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the server transfers large amounts of data to multiple clients, then complete data distribution is achieved, but the network bandwidth becomes a bottleneck limiting transfer speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoidtransfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data distribution task into segments handled by different clients. Instead of the server directly serving all clients simultaneously (which would saturate the network bandwidth), the system segments the client base and uses intermediate clients to handle portions of the data distribution, effectively increasing the aggregate transfer speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the network bandwidth capacity of multiple clients into a unified distribution system. By having intermediate clients forward data to other clients, the system combines the bandwidth resources of multiple clients to handle large data volumes, overcoming the limitation of the server's single network connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more clients are added to the distribution system, then data can be distributed to more users, but the transfer time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of clientsVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the client population into groups served by different intermediate clients. This segmentation allows the system to scale to more clients without linearly increasing transfer time, as each intermediate client handles a subset of clients efficiently rather than the server attempting to serve all clients simultaneously through a single connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3481031B1Data distribution to multiple clients
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 MEVIS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP3481031B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3481031B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3481031B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Some embodiments include transmitting a plurality of files from a server 102 to a first client 104-1 through a first communication link 108-1; and transmitting the plurality of files from the first client to a second client 104-2 through a second communication link 180-2 while transmitting at least one of the plurality of files from the server to the first client; wherein the second communication link has at least some bandwidth independent of the first communication link.