Concurrent File Segment Application During Multicast Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional deployment process of large computer files, such as operating system image files, is time-consuming and requires substantial storage space, as the entire file must be downloaded and then applied after decompression.
Innovation Solution
A system and process where a client computer applies file segments concurrently with downloading, using information defining the file segments to monitor and apply each segment as it is received, reducing the overall deployment time and storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire computer file is downloaded before applying, then the file can be completely deployed, but the deployment time becomes substantial for large files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computer file into multiple segments, allowing the client to download and apply segments independently rather than waiting for the entire file. This segmentation enables parallel processing of download and apply operations, reducing total deployment time while maintaining file integrity through segment completion monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by receiving segment information before the actual download, enabling the client to prepare for concurrent apply operations. The client monitors received data during download to determine when segments are complete, allowing apply operations to begin before the entire file is downloaded
2Reliability
If the entire computer file is downloaded and stored in memory or disk, then the file is available for execution, but substantial storage space is required for large files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file into smaller units that can be applied individually as they are downloaded. This eliminates the need to store the entire file in memory or on disk before execution, reducing storage requirements from the full file size to only the currently being-downloaded segment size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables discarding of downloaded segments after they have been applied to the target system. Once a segment is successfully applied, it can be removed from storage, and the storage space can be recovered and reused for downloading subsequent segments
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a process for deploying a computer file involves a client computer applying the computer file concurrently with downloading the computer file from a file server. The concurrent operations can be performed even when the data of the computer file is downloaded out of order. The computer file includes a plurality of file segments. The client computer obtains information defining the file segments and monitors the received data of the computer file during downloading. When downloading of a file segment is complete, the client computer applies the completed segment concurrently with receiving other segments of the computer file from the file server. The process can be used when the computer file is downloaded using a multicast protocol, but is not limited to use with multicast protocols. The client computer can request only needed segments of the computer file.