Decentralized Content Delivery Protocol for ISP Tiered Caches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional content delivery models rely on centralized approaches that burden Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks, increasing costs as content is transmitted through multiple layers, with limited benefits for ISPs despite the use of geographically distributed cache servers.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized content delivery protocol and architecture that utilizes tiered caches hosted by ISPs, allowing clients to discover local cache topologies and request content from a Content Delivery Network (CDN) based on discovered topologies, using key encryption and file hashing for security, and distributing content across different tiers based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centralized content delivery models are used, then content can be delivered from origin servers, but the demands and costs on ISP networks increase as content is transmitted through multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized content delivery system into a hierarchical structure with origin servers at the top level and multiple tiers of cache servers (first tier, second tier, third tier) distributed throughout the ISP network. This segmentation allows content to be cached progressively closer to end users, reducing the need for high-volume transmissions through all network layers and thereby reducing ISP network costs and demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to content delivery by distributing cache servers across multiple geographic locations and network tiers. Instead of a single centralized origin server, content is delivered from multiple points in the network hierarchy, with users receiving content from the nearest available cache tier, thus reducing network traversal distance and cost.
2Loss of energy
If geographically distributed cache servers are used, then some demand and costs are reduced, but ISPs gain only limited benefits as bits still travel through most network layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-caching content at multiple tiers of cache servers throughout the ISP network before users request it. The hierarchical structure allows content to be progressively cached from origin servers to first tier, then second tier, and finally third tier cache servers, so that when users request content, it can be delivered from the nearest cached copy rather than traveling through the entire network from the origin server.
3Speed
If tiered caches are deployed at ISP network edges, then data transfer rates increase and latency decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content delivery protocol as an intermediary layer that manages communication between users and the hierarchical cache network. The protocol includes discovery messages that automatically map user requests to the appropriate cache tier, capability responses that indicate available content and topology information, and content requests that are routed to the nearest cache server. This intermediary protocol abstracts the complexity of the tiered cache structure from users while enabling efficient content delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments disclosed herein may provide a protocol and architecture for decentralization of content delivery. Various embodiments may provide a client based method for content delivery from content delivery networks (CDNs) via tiered caches of content hosted by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). In various embodiments, content delivery protocol (CDP) messages may enable clients to discover local cache network topologies and request content from a CDN based on a discovered local cache network topology. In various embodiments, security may be provided for the content delivery by the use of key encryption and/or file hashing.