Client-Server Binding via Best-Fit IP Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing client-server network systems face challenges in maintaining constant connectivity, especially for clients with limited computational and storage resources, due to the inefficiencies of the Internet Distributed Name Service (DNS) and the need for dynamic server binding, which can lead to sub-optimal resource allocation and prolonged propagation of IP address changes.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client maintains a set of 'best-fit' server IP addresses, ordered by criteria such as routing distance and server loading, allowing dynamic binding with a server without relying on DNS, using extensions of existing network protocols like SIP and STUN to minimize overhead and resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DNS is used for client-server binding, then name resolution is provided, but computational and storage resources are consumed and binding changes propagate slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of DNS (providing server IP addresses to clients) and removes the complex distributed name server infrastructure. Instead of using DNS, the system directly provides clients with lists of server IP addresses through simplified protocols, eliminating the need for clients to implement full DNS functionality while maintaining the core binding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediary mechanism where servers directly communicate their IP addresses to clients through protocol extensions (SIP, STUN, TURN). This intermediary approach replaces the complex DNS hierarchy with direct server-to-client information provision, reducing both computational overhead and propagation delays.
2Reliability
If multiple servers are deployed for redundancy, then failure points are reduced, but resource allocation becomes sub-optimal and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic binding where clients can switch between multiple servers based on current conditions. The system provides clients with lists of alternative server IP addresses and enables dynamic re-binding when servers fail or performance degrades. This dynamic approach optimizes resource allocation by allowing flexible redistribution of client connections across available servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where clients monitor server connectivity and performance, and automatically switch to alternative servers when needed. This feedback-driven approach ensures optimal resource utilization by redirecting traffic away from failed or overloaded servers to healthy alternatives, maintaining both reliability and efficiency.
3Speed
If DNS caching with TTL is used, then name resolution speed is improved, but IP address changes propagate slowly and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides clients with pre-configured lists of server IP addresses through protocol extensions during initial connection establishment. This preliminary provision of binding information eliminates the need for repeated DNS lookups and caching operations, enabling immediate switching to alternative servers when needed while reducing overall computational and storage resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to bind a client with a server are provided. A particular method includes establishing a connection between a server and a client. A list of best-fit server IP addresses is received at the client via the connection. A determination is made whether the server is identified in the list of best-fit server IP addresses. When the server is not identified in the list of best-fit server IP addresses, the connection to the server is terminated.