Demand-Driven File Distribution via Hierarchical Cache Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large file distribution over computer networks can overwhelm network capabilities and pose security concerns, particularly when dealing with frequently updated or sensitive information, as existing systems struggle to manage storage and ensure secure, efficient distribution.
Innovation Solution
A networked environment with cache computing devices and a device services computing device that uses unique file identifiers, encryption key identifiers, and time-sensitive tokens to distribute files in a demand-driven manner, optimizing paths based on network configuration data to minimize storage requirements and ensure security through secure and configurable file distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If files are distributed to all computing devices in the network, then file availability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file distribution system into multiple cache computing devices organized in a hierarchical cache network. Files are divided and cached at different levels (L1, L2, L3 caches) across multiple devices rather than distributing to all devices directly. This segmentation reduces network bandwidth consumption by serving files from local caches while maintaining file availability through the distributed cache structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cache computing devices as intermediaries between the source computing device and client devices. These intermediary caches store file segments and serve requests locally, reducing direct traffic between clients and the source. The device services computing device also acts as an intermediary that coordinates cache management and security token distribution without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between all devices.
2Speed
If files are cached at multiple computing devices, then file distribution speed is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides files into multiple segments and distributes these segments across different cache computing devices in the hierarchical cache network. Each cache device stores only the segments it needs to serve, rather than storing complete files. This segmentation enables parallel file distribution from multiple caches simultaneously, improving speed while minimizing total storage requirements through efficient segment distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by having different cache computing devices store different file segments based on their position in the hierarchical cache network and local demand patterns. L1 caches closer to clients store segments frequently requested by local clients, while L2 and L3 caches store segments for broader distribution. This localized segment storage optimizes both distribution speed and storage efficiency by placing data where it is most needed.
3Reliability
If security tokens are generated for each file request, then security is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the device services computing device pre-generate and distribute security tokens to cache computing devices before file requests occur. These tokens are associated with specific file segments and expiration times. When file requests are made, the pre-generated tokens are already available at the caches, eliminating the need for real-time token generation during file transfer. This maintains strong security verification while significantly reducing processing overhead during actual file distribution operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer networks for secure demand-driven file distribution are described. In one example, a client device receives a notification to check in for updates. In response, the client device checks in with a device services computing device on a computer network. The device services computing device determines a path list to certain cache computing devices on the computer network for receipt of the files, builds a markup file including the path list to the files, and transmits the markup file to the client device. The markup file can also include unique identifiers of the files and an encryption key for secure distribution of the files. Using the markup file, the client device can request the files, and the computer network is physically and logically arranged to distribute the files among the cache computing devices and to the client device in a secure and demand-driven manner.