Cooperative On-Path Off-Path Caching for ICN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Information Centric Networks (ICN) face sub-optimal caching policies, leading to cache redundancy, increased latency, and inefficient network usage, particularly due to the lack of an effective cooperative caching strategy that minimizes content duplication and optimizes cache hit performance across on-path and off-path caching.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cooperative on-path and off-path caching in ICN, where edge routers cache content based on availability and compute a content score to determine cache lifetime, with a central router assisting in caching un-cached and stale content, and offloading content to minimize delay and network usage by strategically managing cache replacement and offloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If on-path caching with LRU policy is used, then cache replacement is simplified, but cache hit performance becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for cache replacement from simple recency (LRU) to a composite metric including content score, popularity, and age. This transforms the cache replacement mechanism from a single-parameter policy to a multi-parameter optimization approach, improving cache hit performance while maintaining operational feasibility through automated scoring.
2Quantity of substance
If off-path caching is implemented, then cache duplication is reduced, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the central router maintains an off-path cache that works cooperatively with on-path edge router caches. This intermediary cache reduces duplication by storing popular content centrally while the scoring mechanism and selective caching ensure that frequently accessed content remains accessible at edge routers, thus reducing latency while minimizing duplication.
3Loss of time
If strategic location of on-path cached routers is optimized, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where edge routers automatically compute content scores and make caching decisions based on predefined criteria (popularity, age, cache availability). This eliminates the need for complex centralized configuration and strategic router placement optimization, as the system自适应ly adjusts caching behavior based on real-time content characteristics and network conditions.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If indirect routing or traffic deflection is used, then request characterization is simplified, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the caching function into two independent components: (1) edge routers that handle local content scoring and caching decisions, and (2) a central router that provides off-path caching support. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with simple request characterization, while the overall system maintains scalability through distributed decision-making rather than centralized traffic deflection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system is disclosed herein for co-operative on-path and off-path caching policy for information centric networks (ICN). In an embodiment, a computer implemented method and system is provided for cooperative on-path and off-path caching policy for information centric networks in which the edge routers or on-path routers optimally store the requested ICN contents and are supported by a strategically placed central off-path cache router for additional level of caching. A heuristic mechanism has also been provided to offload and to optimally store the contents from the on-path routers to off-path central cache router. The present scheme optimally stores the requested ICN contents either in the on-path edge routers or in strategically located off-path central cache router. The present scheme also ensures optimal formulation resulting in reduced cache duplication, delay and network usage.