Directory File Attribute Query for Low-Bandwidth Batch Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current file query methods in networked environments suffer from low efficiency and high network bandwidth overheads due to the need for numerous individual file attribute queries and extensive caching and summarization of file attributes, leading to resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows a client to send a single file query request for the attributes of multiple files within a target directory, reducing the need for individual file queries and caching, thereby improving efficiency and minimizing network bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a client sends individual file query requests for each file to obtain file attributes, then the client can acquire detailed file information, but the network bandwidth overhead increases and query efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual file attribute query requests into a single batch query request. The server receives one request containing multiple file paths and returns attribute information for all files in that request, thereby reducing network bandwidth overhead while maintaining complete file attribute retrieval capability
Solution Approach 2:
The query request structure is designed to handle multiple files universally, allowing a single request format to query attributes for any number of files. The server processes this universal request type and returns comprehensive attribute information for all queried files in a standardized response format
2Productivity
If a client caches file attributes and collects statistics on multiple files, then the client can obtain directory-level summaries, but memory resources and computing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs the statistics collection and summarization functions itself rather than requiring the client to cache and process individual file attributes. The server aggregates directory-level statistics (such as total file count, total size, file type distributions) and returns these pre-computed results directly to the client, eliminating the need for client-side caching and statistical computation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the statistics collection and summarization functionality from the client side and relocates it to the server side. This extraction allows the client to receive ready-made statistical results without needing to maintain caches or perform computationally intensive operations locally
3Measurement precision
If a client sends multiple file query requests to obtain directory structure attributes, then complete file information is retrieved, but the query time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sequential file attribute queries are merged into a single batch query operation. The client sends one request containing multiple file paths, and the server processes all queries simultaneously or in an optimized manner, returning all attribute information in a single response, thereby significantly reducing total query time while maintaining complete attribute retrieval
Data Source
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AI summary
A file query method and apparatus, a computer device, and a communication system are disclosed, and relate to the computer field. The method includes: obtaining a file attribute of a target directory by sending a file query request that indicates to query the file attribute of the target directory, where the file attribute of the target directory indicates a file organization structure attribute of the target directory, and the file attribute of the target directory may include file attributes of a plurality of files in the target directory. Compared with a case in which a client needs to send a file query request for each file, according to the file query method provided in this application, the client sends a file query request once, where the request indicates to query the file attributes of the plurality of files in the target directory, and receives attribute results of the plurality of files in the target directory, to improve file query efficiency. The query request and the attribute results are transmitted only once in a network, to reduce network bandwidth overheads.