Content Delivery Route Decision Function for Access Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current 4G and 5G infrastructures, user devices face challenges in optimizing network use and end-user experience due to the complexity of multiple access networks and content distribution, as they need to select the most suitable access technology for content delivery without network operator involvement.
Innovation Solution
A Content Delivery Route Decision Function (CDRDF) is implemented on user devices to interface with content delivery networks and access networks, determining the optimal cache location for content delivery by evaluating factors like signal strength, proximity, network load, and latency, and enabling handovers to ensure efficient content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device selects access networks based on frequency priority and signal strength without network operator involvement, then the device can autonomously connect to available networks, but the network efficiency and end-user experience are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Content Delivery Route Decision Function as an intermediary entity that mediates between the user device and multiple access networks. This function evaluates candidate options for delivering content from different content caches and selects the optimal delivery path, thereby optimizing network efficiency while maintaining device autonomy. The intermediary coordinates handovers between access networks and manages content delivery routes without requiring direct device intervention in complex network decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access networks and content caches are available, then content delivery options increase, but the complexity of selecting the optimal delivery path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex path selection logic from the user device and places it in a dedicated Content Delivery Route Decision Function. This separation allows the device to maintain simplicity while the decision function handles the evaluation of multiple candidate options, signal strength measurements, and handover coordination. The extraction of this complex function enables versatile content delivery options without burdening the device with path selection complexity.
3Productivity
If the device monitors and evaluates multiple content caches and access networks, then content delivery optimization is improved, but the device energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Content Delivery Route Decision Function acts as an intermediary that centralizes the energy-intensive monitoring and evaluation tasks. Instead of the device continuously monitoring all content caches and access networks, the decision function performs these evaluations based on information from the device and network. This reduces device energy consumption while maintaining content delivery optimization through coordinated handovers and route selection.
4Reliability
If handovers between access networks are enabled for optimal content delivery, then service continuity is improved, but the risk of connection instability during handover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of candidate access networks and content caches before initiating handovers. The Content Delivery Route Decision Function assesses signal strength, network conditions, and content availability in advance, preparing the optimal delivery path before the actual handover occurs. This preliminary action ensures service continuity by pre-validating the target network's ability to deliver content, thereby reducing connection instability during the handover transition.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of operating a content delivery network having a plurality of content caches to deliver requested content to at least one user device, the user device has one or more access network interfaces for connection to content caches of the content delivery network via one or more respective access networks, and the method is performed by a content delivery route decision function running on the user device and interfacing with the content delivery network and the access networks.