Distributed BGP Control for Packetized Content Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content delivery network solutions rely on centralized control systems, which increase deployment costs, system complexity, and reduce response times, and are often proprietary, making them less cost-effective and less flexible.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically configuring nodes in a packetized content delivery network using a network protocol, allowing for dynamic route modification based on conditions such as security threats or content delivery rules, and utilizing commercial off-the-shelf hardware to manage content delivery across multiple routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized control systems are used in content delivery networks, then content delivery can be managed, but deployment costs increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centralized control function by implementing a distributed control architecture where each node autonomously manages its own routing decisions. The control logic is removed from a central authority and embedded directly into individual network nodes, eliminating the need for complex centralized management systems while maintaining reliable content delivery through local autonomous decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network node is equipped with autonomous control capabilities that enable it to independently make routing decisions without requiring centralized control. Nodes self-manage their own content delivery operations by evaluating local conditions and making independent routing choices, thereby eliminating the need for complex centralized control systems while maintaining effective content distribution.
2Reliability
If centralized control systems are used in content delivery networks, then content delivery can be managed, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes centralized control functionality from the architecture, replacing it with distributed control where each node independently manages routing. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive centralized control hardware and software infrastructure, reducing deployment costs while maintaining effective content delivery management through autonomous node decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf hardware at each network node rather than requiring expensive specialized centralized control equipment. By using standard, readily available hardware components that can be easily deployed and replaced, the system achieves cost-effective deployment while maintaining reliable content delivery through distributed autonomous control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary software and hardware are used in content delivery networks, then advanced functionality can be supported, but system complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control protocol that enables standard network nodes to perform multiple functions including routing, content delivery management, and autonomous decision-making. This universal protocol allows existing hardware to support advanced functionality without requiring proprietary specialized equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility through standardized multi-functional components.
4Reliability
If centralized control systems are used in content delivery networks, then content delivery can be managed, but response time for adding features and performing maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts centralized control authority and distributes it to individual nodes, enabling autonomous decision-making at each location. This distribution eliminates delays associated with centralized approval processes, allowing nodes to immediately respond to feature additions and maintenance needs without waiting for central authorization, thereby significantly reducing response time while maintaining reliable content delivery management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic autonomous control where nodes can adapt their routing decisions in real-time based on local conditions without requiring centralized reconfiguration. This dynamic capability enables immediate response to changing network conditions, feature additions, or maintenance requirements at each node, eliminating the time delays inherent in centralized control while preserving reliable content delivery through continuously adapting distributed decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for managing content delivery in a packetized network. The network provide content to a plurality of clients via a plurality of nodes. A security threat associated with one of the nodes is detected and in response the host uses border gateway protocol to communicate non-forwarding table information informing one or more nodes of the network of the threat. In another variant, communication allows the nodes to take local action to protect themselves. This same local action occurs on the host, allowing it to continue serving content. The host utilizes BGP to dynamically inform nodes of changes in the network traffic delivery rules, such as causing traffic to different clients having different levels of reliability and/or provided on a best-effort basis. The BGP may be utilized to add/remove routes or nodes and to identify and respond to potentially malicious activities, changes in network configuration, and/or delivery requirements.