Client-Side CDN Node Selection for Faster Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), clients cannot actively select the optimal CDN node for network access due to server-centric scheduling, leading to suboptimal response times and increased downtime during node failures, with existing solutions relying on slow DNS resolution mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enables clients to actively determine candidate nodes based on response time consumption, using Time To First Byte (TTFB) measurements to identify the optimal node for network communication, and includes failure sensing to proactively switch to alternative nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If server-centric scheduling is used to manage CDN node selection, then system control and management are simplified, but client response time increases and node failure detection becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem control complexityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional server-centric scheduling model by enabling clients to autonomously select CDN nodes based on real-time network quality measurements. Instead of the server assigning nodes to clients, clients actively measure TTFB of candidate nodes and independently determine the optimal node, thereby reducing response time while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by empowering clients to autonomously perform network quality measurements, evaluate candidate nodes, and select optimal CDN nodes without server intervention. The client independently measures TTFB, determines routing conditions, and switches nodes based on failure detection, eliminating waiting time for server-based DNS resolution while keeping the system simple through client-side automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If DNS resolution mechanism is used for node failure handling, then centralized control is maintained, but failure response time increases and service loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode failure handlingVSAvoidfailure response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having clients proactively measure the TTFB of multiple candidate nodes before actual service requests. This advance measurement allows clients to identify and switch to alternative nodes before failures impact service, reducing failure response time and service loss while maintaining reliable node selection through pre-evaluated candidates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring network quality metrics (TTFB) of CDN nodes and using this information to dynamically adjust node selection. The client measures TTFB, compares it against thresholds, detects failures in real-time, and switches nodes based on measured performance, creating a closed-loop system that responds quickly to failures while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If client actively measures TTFB and selects optimal node, then response time decreases and user experience improves, but measurement and selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidmeasurement and selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and selection processes with automated client-side mechanisms. Instead of requiring complex server-based coordination or manual intervention, the system uses automated TTFB measurement protocols and algorithmic node selection logic embedded in the client, reducing perceived complexity while achieving fast response times through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If multiple candidate nodes are measured for TTFB, then optimal node selection accuracy improves, but measurement time and overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode selection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by measuring TTFB of multiple candidate nodes only when routing conditions are triggered (e.g., initial connection, network changes), rather than continuously. This selective measurement approach maintains accurate node selection by evaluating candidates at critical decision points while minimizing overall measurement time and overhead through conditional execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12438804B2Method, apparatus, medium and electronic device for network access

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 BEIJING YOUZHUJU NETWORK TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, medium and electronic device for network access, applied to a Content Delivery Network, comprising: determining a candidate node currently accessible to a client in response to that a predetermined routing condition is triggered; obtaining response time consumption corresponding to the candidate nodes by measuring the rates of the candidate nodes, and determining an optimal node among the candidate nodes based on the response time consumption, a smaller response time consumption representing a faster network response rate corresponding to a candidate node; and accessing the client to the optimal node for network communication.