Multi-Tier Distributed Caching for Remote Content Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In distributed network environments, accessing managed content is hindered by slow or unreliable network connections, leading to inconsistent availability and speed of access.

Innovation Solution

A distributed caching solution using a multi-tiered architecture, where a remote cache server associated with a remote site stores local copies of managed content, synchronizing periodically with the primary content management platform to ensure current content is accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If content is accessed from a centralized content management platform in a distributed environment, then centralized management control is maintained, but access speed and availability deteriorate due to slow or unreliable network connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of managed contentVSAvoidaccess speed to managed content

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the centralized content management architecture by introducing remote cache servers at distributed sites. These cache servers store local copies of managed content, separating the management function (centralized) from the access function (distributed), thereby improving access speed and availability without sacrificing management control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Remote cache servers act as intermediaries between users at remote sites and the primary content management platform. They provide local access to cached content while maintaining synchronization with the central platform, resolving the contradiction between fast local access and centralized management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If a remote cache server stores local copies of managed content, then access speed improves for remote users, but system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speed to managed contentVSAvoidcaching system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where remote cache servers periodically check for content updates from the primary platform and synchronize their caches accordingly. This automated feedback loop manages the complexity of maintaining distributed caches while ensuring data consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cache synchronization operates periodically, with remote cache servers checking for updates at scheduled intervals. This periodic action simplifies the synchronization process compared to continuous synchronization, reducing system complexity while maintaining acceptable data freshness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If distributed caching is implemented, then access availability improves during primary server unavailability, but management control may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of managed contentVSAvoidmanagement model adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Content is cached in advance at remote servers before it is needed. This preliminary action ensures that content is readily available when the primary server is unavailable, improving reliability while maintaining management control through subsequent synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a cushion of locally cached content that protects against network failures or primary server unavailability. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous access to content while the system maintains the ability to synchronize and update caches when connectivity is restored

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12328374B2Systems and methods for caching of managed content in a distributed environment using a multi-tiered architecture including off-line access to cached content

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 CROWDSTRIKE

AI summary

Embodiments as disclosed provide a distributed caching solution that improve the performance and functionality of a content management platform for sites that are physically or logically remote from the primary site of the content management platform. In particular, according to embodiments, a remote cache server may be associated with a remote site to store local copies of documents that are managed by the primary content management platform. Periodically, a portion of the remote site's cache may be synchronized with the content management platform's primary site using an extensible architecture to ensure that content at the remote cache server is current.